A Fist Full of Water…
For A Few Dollars More.
Happy belated 2026 All!
Many thanks to those taxpayers, home owners, residents (both in and outside of the Graham Lake subdivision) who remain interested, concerned and offer questions and solutions.
The year has again started off with CVRD impaired Fire Hydrant protection, compromised Drinking Water and escalating costs as the subdivision is now into eight years of unecessary water system non-compliance and uncertainty. All avoidable.
CVRD CEO James Warren and our CVRD elected Representative Daniel Arbour have yet to honestly answer, inform or dialogue. Daniel’s last communique back in July 2025 was “awaiting the next report from staff…to put to residents”. Was there a first time report?
What will this “report” even mean when simple answers are impossible to obtain?
Some continue to reach out, along with new residents to the Graham Lake subdivision, with outstanding questions and concerns to table. Stay informed and engaged.
Here they are with my comments in italics :
Why did CVRD allow the decision of an unelected manager (a position outside of the improvement district charter) to initiate and sign off to convert our water improvement district without any referendum or electoral ascent? Good question.
What happened to the promise by the manager of “partnering” with the CVRD to lower water fees and get a free water upgrade? So far no steering committee, only escalating fees and no “all free today” upgrade.
What was the Operator’s role in safe guarding against the current pitfalls subdivision residents have and will continue to face? Fair question.
With constant Boil Water advisories; Why am I paying for bottled water and or water filters ontop of the exorbitant water fees? A good question for Daniel who continues to expedite and approve price increases on CVRD’s behalf.
I’m a retired senior on a fixed income. Daniel?
What happened to our $250,000 capital fund? Audit?
Why spend money on new crappy looking Boil Notice signage? What was wrong with modifying the existing signs which were highly visible? Indeed but water fee increases must be justified.
Are the edge water septic fields (that surround Graham Lake) leeching into the water? Island Health? Islands Trust? CVRD?
Who authorized the removal of the Emergency By-Pass from the pumphouse? This needs to be investigated by an engineering review board.
What can be done about the many cigarette butts constantly found in and around the woods of Graham Lake (especially during summer months)? “No Smoking” signage? Fire safe outdoor ashtray stations? CVRD?
How can homeowners and others in the subdivision use Fire Smart equipment (like the wasp sprinkler) to protect property if the Fire Hydrants can’t supply water? Another good question for CVRD.
Again, thank you for your questions and concerns for this Grapevine instalment. Stay informed and engaged.
Cost effective solutions remain available as are historically successful project standards, procedures and protocols.
Fear, apathy and the belief the subdivision was going to get a “free money” water upgrade has cost the residents dearly in so many ways. Nothing is “free”.
I’ve been told “residents will get what they deserve”. That “patience” is an acceptable synonym for CVRD incompetence and obfuscation. I do not hold such nihilistic views. A positive course correction is still available.
Last summer Little Qualicum and surrounding area was evacuated due to interface fires. The participating Fire Departments and volunteers did an amazing job to save life and property. Fires in Lytton to Lahaina to LA have demonstrated fire insurance is ineffective, if not somewhat redundant. Property structures now more than ever require protection and saving. For those that wish to understand why, watching Adam Carolla vlogs on the Palisade and Malibu fires, will highlight subdivision aftermath challenges.
Prevention and suppression are everything for the subdivision, making insurance claims only signals failure. Besides; What kind of person wouldn’t want to unlock existing engineered fire suppression access to a 63,000,000 gallon water source (Graham Lake) for a neighbourhood on an island that is short on water?
2026 can be a positive year!
Till the next one
