Two wastewater treatment proposals have been presented to the CRD board. One from Chris Corps of Pivotal IRM and one from John Knappett of Knappett Construction.
Both brought forth submissions to the board for sewage treatment. One price was $350 million, the other $250 million. Both prices are significantly lower than any of the other proposals, estimated to be $1.1 to $1.3 billion. Both of these companies are local, pay property taxes in our community, hire local people who pay property taxes and spend their dollars in our community supporting our local economy on a year-round basis. These companies have every reason to try and keep the costing to a reasonable level because it will directly affect them and their employees in the years to come.
There is such a huge difference in pricing from these two and the other proposals presented that every effort should be found to try and accommodate one or both of their submissions. Their two plants together would cost $600 million, well below $1.1 billion. Why not one at Clover Point and the second at Macaulay Point. This would eliminate the need for extra piping and pump stations.
Find out what are the negatives of their proposals and work with them to find a cost-effective solution that will satisfy all the requirements. Turn the negatives into positives.
That is why I say: Find a way to say yes.
David Broad
Saanich