The Regional District of Nanaimo will be hosting two open houses to provide residents an opportunity to learn more about the Bowser Village Centre Wastewater Project.
All residents of Electoral H and beyond are welcome to attend the open houses, to take place on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 5-8 p.m. and on Thursday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lighthouse Community Centre, located at 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Beach.
The RDN said that the events will provide a good opportunity for residents to ask questions and share their comments with the project team.
The Bowser wastewater project has been controversial because the RDN excluded property owners who are outside of the proposed wastewater service area from initial consultations. Only 99 parcel owners were given the chance to vote through a petition process on the project, which residents outside the village centre said does not fully represent the 3,899 residents of Area H.
The proposed marine outfall method, chosen to dispose of the treated effluent located off the shore from the Noonday Road beach access into the Salish Sea, was the biggest concern of residents, especially those who are not going to be directly benefitting from the wastewater project.
The Stop Bowser Ocean Sewage group was formed and has submitted a petition that currently has 664 signatures opposing the marine outfall option of the $10.7 million project, which was awarded $7.6 million through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund.
Despite the group’s opposition, the RDN board in August approved all three necessary bylaws — sewer service establishment, loan authorization and development cost charge — for the project to advance.
The group opposing the marine outfall has been sending letters to provincial and federal ministers, including MPs and MLAs to voice their concerns and their call to stop the project.
For story tips: