Sewage solutions see Colwood residents pay more than necessary for treatment

Cash-flow proposals skewed too heavily toward non-participating homeowners

As a Colwood resident, I am dismayed by the proposed inequality of the funding options for a sewage treatment plant.

More than 70 per cent of Colwood homes have a septic system. Many systems are at the age of needing to be replaced, at a potential cost of up to $50,000 (quoting the Capital Regional District). We also pay, as mandated through bylaws, for ongoing reportable maintenance of our septic systems.

I have been told by our mayor and the CRD that there are no plans for most of Colwood to ever hook up to sewer. While I am willing, even as a non-user, to contribute to a regional solution, I am not willing in a two-plant option or more, to pay the highest rates in all the region. In a two- or four-plant option, Colwood residents on septic will be paying more per household than Oak Bay, Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, View Royal or Langford households.

I don’t see how anyone, living in Colwood or not, can think that is fair, equitable or just.

Patricia Bailey

Colwood

Goldstream News Gazette