News Leader News for January 23, 2007
EAST PRINCETON TO RECEIVE TOWN WATER
The East Princeton Waterworks District has been dealing with water quality issues for years. Residents on the system have been under boil water advisory to address contamination concerns of the EPWD's well from immediately adjacent individual on site septic tank and disposal systems for years.
On January 11th the Town of Princeton, RDOS and True Consulting hosted an open house with residents of EPWD. Two options for water system improvements/provision were presented which included an upgrading of the existing EPWD system and a new system supplied by the Town of Princeton. Eighteen of the thirty properties being considered for a water system upgrade were represented at the meeting, which saw fifteen property owners endorse the provision of a new system supplied by the Town. The majority of property owners represented at the meeting, along with the EPWD board recommended that the Town immediately begin the process of applying for a grant as well as the process of boundary expansion to include East Princeton Waterworks District properties in the Town of Princeton. The East Princeton Waterworks Initiative was presented at the regular meeting of Town Council on January 15th. The purpose of the initiative is to provide potable water and ongoing operations to East Princeton residents and provide improved/enhanced waterworks to the Deerview/Snowpatch residential area.
In discussion on the matter Mayor Randy McLean stated, "In my mind this is coming to the rescue of East Princeton residents who have been on a boil water advisory since 2002."
He went on to say the "win-win" situation would also aid in the development of the Industrial Park and Airport.
"If we could get the funding this would be a positive situation for the Town of Princeton and East Princeton."
Councillor Jim Manion made a motion, seconded by Councillor Ray Jarvis, that the Town of Princeton pursue infrastructure funding opportunities under the Towns and Tomorrow Program (with an application deadline set at February 16th) to fund the construction of necessary infrastructure works to upgrade and enhance the Deerview/Snowpatch residential areas and pursue infrastructure funding opportunities under the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Program (with an application deadline of January 31st) to fund the necessary infrastructure works to supply potable water to East Princeton Waterworks District residents.
TOWN DESIGNATES TOBACCO FREE ZONES
Following a recommendation made by Recreation Director Lyle Thomas, the Town of Princeton has designated select sports venues, fields and playgrounds as 'Tobacco Free Zones.'The list includes Riverside Wellness Centre, Centennial Pool (in Memorial Park), the Library and Museum (on Vermilion Avenue), Rotary Park (on Lime Street), Lions Park (on Mayne Avenue), Glenview Park, Tunnel Park, Westridge Park and Legion Park (on Panorama Crescent). The purpose of the initiative is to reduce the number of public areas where children and youth are exposed to both the habit of smoking and second hand smoke.
The plan is to see more venues added, possibly on an annual basis.
"We'll just stick with the ones that are easily done and add to it," Thomas explained.
Each designated Tobacco Free Zone will have signage stating the designation at a cost of approximately $1,000.00 for 18 signs, if each site was posted with two signs each. Interior Health will cost share with the Town of Princeton to a maximum of $500.00.
Councillor Maria Sadegur made a motion, seconded by Councillor Ray Jarvis, that the Town proceeds with the Tobacco Free Zone program.
As for enforcement, CAO Patrick Robins explains, "We're looking for voluntary compliance. We don't have the resources to patrol or enforce this but would hope people will respect the program."
There is no bylaw in place in relation to the Tobacco Free Zone Program.
COUNCIL HAS NO POSITION
A letter from the Corporation of the District of Saanich requesting the Town's position with respect to the proposed development of new coal-fired electricity generating plants at Tumbler Ridge and Princeton created a number of awkward moments at the January 15th regular meeting of Town Council.Councillor Maria Sadegur offered up the suggestion that Town Council had asked for and was waiting for the results of an Environmental Assessment before making a decision on what position to take.
Councillor Jim Manion objected to indicating Council was waiting for anything.
Mayor Randy McLean stated he had no problem with coal-fired electricity generation, as long as it's the no emission ICCG (gasification) process being used.
Councillors Ray Jarvis and Pam Jones sat quietly.
CAO Patrick Robins offered a suggestion that Town Council has publicly stated they requested a full Environmental Assessment of the proposal.
Councillor Maria Sadegur made a motion, seconded by Councillor Pam Jones, that a response be sent back to the Corporation of the District of Saanich stating just that.
Councillor Jim Manion and Mayor Randy McLean both voted against the motion.
