The Regional District of Nanaimo is asking property owners in the Bowser area to vote on a plan to establish a new sanitary sewage service for the Bowser Village Centre.
The estimated cost of the Bowser Village Wastewater Servicing Project is $10.7 million. It has already received support from the federal and provincial governments totalling $7.6 million, through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund grant.
The balance of the cost, about $3.5 million, would be shouldered by the 99 parcel owners who will directly benefit from the new service.
Initially, the estimated cost to taxpayers was $38,000 for a one-acre parcel, but that has been significantly reduced to a flat fee of $2,900 since the RDN recommended the cost not covered by the grant be funded using development cost charges. DCCs will cover 85 per cent — or $2.6 million — of the $3.5 million, with the balance to be paid for by parcel owners. Anyone who has had an existing septic system upgraded or a new system installed would appreciate the savings and final hookup cost.
The driving forces behind this initiative is the vision of providing services for residents in the area and the possibility of future densification of the village centre.
RDN chair and Electroral Area H director Bill Veenhof has said the new sewer will improve commercial opportunities; encourage building of additional affordable houses, including those for seniors; lead to road improvements; and, eventually perhaps, help Bowser achieve municipal incorporation.
The residents have until August 11 to indicate whether they are in favour of the plan or not, as there’s a one-year timeline condition attached to the grant.
There are residents strongly opposed to the recommended marine disposal option of the treated sewage. They fear it would significantly impact the environment, sea habitat, and also the shellfish tenure close by. Others would like to see an alternative proposal.
Veenhof indicated that the sewage will be treated to meet or exceed Canadian federal and provincial standards designed to protect the environment and the aquaculture industry.
If successful, the groundwork for a sewer service will be undertaken. If property owners vote against it, the area and the landowners will lose the $7.6 million grant and a rare opportunity.
— Parksville Qualicum Beach News