Why are our
elected officials a t the GVAC willing to spend $ 100,000 of taxpayer’s money
on a study of what do about the aging and by all accounts failing Civic Arena
and not willing to commit to getting a second opinion on the master water plan.
For the new ice sheet 5 million dollars is one of the numbers that have tossed
about. It is wise to invest in knowing the costs and implications of the
various alternatives that are available when considering the long term
viability of the various options.
Yet this
wisdom and prudence doesn't seem to apply when it comes to the master water plan for Greater Vernon. Recent reporting puts the total cost at $180,000,000.
Surely it would be reasonable to get a second opinion? The magnitude of the
investment numbs the mind. Director Kiss, as I understand it, wanted a peer
review of the plan by a qualified third party. Such a review would not come
cheaply, no doubt, but when one considers that our children’s children will
still be paying for the infrastructure decades from now; why not get a second
opinion?
In the fall
elections among other things we will face referendum questions on a new ice
sheet. Ironically it looks like we will be better informed on a new ice sheet
and the alternatives than we will be for the $70,000,000 borrowing referendum question
for the master water plan.
The folks at
GVAC deserve credit for seeking relief from the filtration
requirement at Duteau Creek imposed by IHA ($26,000,000). Let us wish them well
that will bring it down to $154,000,000. Whew!
Cheers!
Shawn Lee a
Vernon Taxpayer Blogger
No comments:
Post a Comment