Editor:
Re: Water upgrades on way, Jan. 1.
EPCOR is seeking approval for a White Rock water-system upgrade.
Crazy idea… how about exploring joining the rest of the Lower Mainland and having our water supplied through the already publicly funded reservoirs?
Private companies, like EPCOR, for those who do not already know, operate to earn a profit. Paying a private company to “maintain” our water supply and charging us for the “upgrade” is a little odd, no?
About the same amount of people move into Surrey annually as our entire population, so it wouldn’t put that much of a strain on the system to simply connect. White Rock doesn’t exist in the boondocks anymore, and we have some of the best tap water in the world literally across the street.
If the water is going to be chlorinated anyway, what’s the point of maintaining our supply and paying a corporation – costs plus profit – to provide it for us?
I’m sure the per capita cost of supplying 20,000 people fresh water is a lot more than the per capita cost of supplying 2.5 million.
Graham Wood, White Rock
• • •
An open letter to the provincial government, the City of White Rock and Epcor.
I have received a notice from Epcor that outlines upgrades to White Rock’s water system. As a resident and property owner, I have grave concerns regarding this project. The reasons are not only based on the environmental impact, but also of a financial nature.
First, the environmental impact on the Duprez Ravine Park alongside High Street where Epcor is proposing to build a chemical building must be addressed by the provincial government. There are eagles and owls nests, as well as many other species of birds, rabbits and the occasional coyote living within the park and neighbouring streets. The use of toxic chemicals to treat the water may, in fact, destroy the natural surroundings and protected park within White Rock.
A question to be answered by our government is what will the province do, to ensure this area is preserved and protected, as well as the residents in the local area, when there is a “leak”? Epcor may be quick to ensure the safety of a chemical facility, but this is not possible.
Secondly, the financial impacts. This is may be White Rock’s “Enbridge” issue, and clearly this small city cannot survive the impact of such a disaster. There may be impact on our land values as well, which will trigger a loss of tax revenue to the city, as well as the province.
The financial benefit to residents is no longer balanced by the benefit of having ‘pure water’ from our own wells. Perhaps it is time to ensure we become part of the Metro Vancouver water supply. This would negate the necessity to do such an expensive and environmentally sensitive project in these fiscal times of restraint.
What is the city’s intention to ensure that we and our natural surroundings are protected with this project?
Epcor, seriously consider leaving the White Rock water source to the Metro Vancouver supply system. Save your money. We don’t need your style of “improvements” to our water system.
Anna Paton, White Rock
