/
/
/
/
/
CRD sewage options include privatization

CRD sewage options include privatization

VICTORIA—The fight for public sewage treatment in the Capital Regional District has entered the final phase. After three years of work to develop a new plan, the CRD has released a paper clearly outlining sewage treatment options. The options for discussion are public, private or a mix of the two.

Kim Manton, of CUPE’s Keep it Public Campaign, says that while it is positive that the discussion paper posted on the CRD website this week promises more consultation, the CRD has already heard loud and clear support for public sewage treatment.

“Citizens in the region support public sewage treatment. Most recently, the CRD’s May 2009 public consultation report finds a consistent preference for locally built, publicly owned and managed treatment facilities.”

Manton says that it will be critical for local politicians to stand up to pressure from the provincial and federal governments.

“From the beginning this sewage project has been in the crosshairs of the B.C. government’s privatization agenda. But it is municipal councils and the CRD board who will make the final decision and it is the local taxpayers, not the federal and provincial governments, who will foot the bill for operating costs over the long-term.”

Manton says it is disappointing to see the lack of any critical analysis of P3s. “There is growing evidence from across Canada and around the world that P3s are more expensive and do not efficiently transfer risk. We know that P3s are secretive and that the decades-long contracts make it difficult for local contractors and businesses to be involved,” she says.

Public consultations are promised for February but no dates have been announced. More information is available at keepwaterpublic.ca.

cope491
Share this

Latest News

Budget 2024 tackles economic uncertainty with investments in public services and affordability – CUPE BC

Budget 2024 tackles economic uncertainty with investments in public services and affordability – CUPE BC

February 22, 2024
VICTORIA— Budget 2024 continues the BC NDP’s record of making meaningful investments in the public services that matter to people and communities, and creating and expanding programs that make life…
VICTORIA— Budget 2024 continues the BC NDP’s record of making meaningful investments in the public services that matter to people and communities, and creating and expanding programs that make life...

District of Chetwynd workers ratify new contract

District of Chetwynd workers ratify new contract

February 15, 2024
CHETWYND – After a collaborative round of negotiations CUPE 3052 members, municipal workers in the District of Chetwynd, have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract. The new agreement includes wage…
CHETWYND – After a collaborative round of negotiations CUPE 3052 members, municipal workers in the District of Chetwynd, have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract. The new agreement includes wage...

CUPE 1978 ratifies new agreement with Greater Victoria Housing Society

CUPE 1978 ratifies new agreement with Greater Victoria Housing Society

February 13, 2024
VICTORIA – CUPE 1978 members at the Greater Victoria Housing Society have ratified a new five-year agreement that provides improved working conditions for CUPE members, as well as enhanced supportive housing…
VICTORIA – CUPE 1978 members at the Greater Victoria Housing Society have ratified a new five-year agreement that provides improved working conditions for CUPE members, as well as enhanced supportive housing...