There appears to be another reason for climate change that may lead to global warning that has not been studied. It comes from the actions of politicians vigorously rubbing their hands together in anticipation of new tax revenues. For the Capital Region, the sewage treatment dispute has just been dealt a royal flush.
Like a shell game, the CRD needs a location for a tertiary sewage treatment facility. The exact location is only known by the organizers. What is known, is the fact that gaming earns more money than the gas, oil, LNG and mining royalties combined in British Columbia.
So, why not build a tertiary sewage plant under the old Mayfair Bowling Lanes with a destination casino above? The luxury hotel will house a theatre, restaurant, meeting hall and cater to community events.
The B.C. government has placed its cards upon the table. The Liberals are desperate for a winning streak.
Victoria needs millions of dollars in amenities beyond the twin tower requests across from the Mayfair Centre.
BC Transit needs more money to expedite traffic flow along Douglas Street.
Ogden Point is due for expansion. There will be more cruise ships, yachts, marinas and the Clipper/Coho facilities in the Inner Harbour.
The CRD needs a new meeting room, open all night allowing for marathon debates, without agreement. The absence of politicians in downtown Victoria will ease up parking spaces.
Victoria needs another free venue to accommodate “Buskers and Bleachers”. Perhaps a promenade above the sewage facility, could exist.
Saanich will need millions of dollars to defend its unapologetic Environmental Development Permit Area (EDPA) bylaw. This is an attempt by the municipality to link a network of parks and waterfront properties, by expropriation.
View Royal will need to generate funds from lost gambling revenue.
The Oak Bay and Esquimalt mayors will no longer be at odds. That’s a win-win.
The CRD will once again become, “politicians without borders”.
I am not in favour of casinos or the fact that their provincial presence has tripled in recent years. I anticipate the provincial and CRD politicians will join, rubbing their hands together and sing, “We’re in the money” while taxpayers witness the warmth. Gambling is like election promises, something from nothing. Unfortunately, sewage treatment has been mandated by politicians but must be paid for by the taxpayers. That’s something you can bet on.
Art Bickerton
Saanich