With regards to the announcement of Epcor’s application for yet another rate increase (The NEWS, Jan. 9, page A5), I found it interesting that, while the notice mentions that all affected who wish to “participate” should register in writing to the Comptrollers of Water Rights by Feb. 5, it curiously failed to provide an address to do so.
Here is the comptroller’s name and address to which such action should be directed:
Ted White, Director and Comptroller Rights
P.O. Box 9340, Stn Prov Gov’t
Victoria, BC V8W 9M1
email: Ted.White@gov.bc.ca
I encourage everyone affected to get up and make yourself heard. The alternative of being herded like a bunch of lambs to barren pasture has not worked before; perhaps an en masse refusal of everyone to pay their exorbitant water bills for the immediate future might get the attention this issue deserves?
I assume, and hope, that with the change in our provincial governing body, this is not the same person who was the comptroller in charge when Epcor was suspiciously granted a 30 per cent rate hike in 2016?
Perhaps Mr. White will take a look at the history of Epcor’s management of our water resource to date, especially the ludicrous increases granted in the past? While he’s, hopefully, examining Epcor’s proposal, as opposed to rubber-stamping it with one hand and reaching under the table for a kickback as I suspect happened in 2016., perhaps look at water quality testing? The foul-tasting and residue-laden water provided by Epcor cannot possibly meet acceptable levels of filtration
Customers polled after the 2016 rate hike voted 93 per cent in favour of wresting control of the water system from Epcor and formally applied to the RDN to do so, but we have heard of no progress toward that initiative mandate. I imagine it’s gathering dust in some vacated Liberal’s file box like so many Christy promises.
Speaking of which, isn’t it about bloody time that MLA Michelle Stilwell stood up for her constituents’ rights? Wherefore art thou Michelle?
Please make yourselves heard loud and clear by contacting the comptroller without delay.
R. S. Bothwell
Qualicum Beach