FOMO
The residents of Cowichan Valley recently demonstrated that the PEOPLE STILL HAVE A VOICE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm68OLvtNA0
Hi Folks,
There is nothing to Fear and there is nothing to Miss Out on, contrary to CVRD’s latest FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) campaign.
Again, thanx to the taxpayers, home owners and residents (both in and outside of the Graham Lake subdivision) who remain interested, concerned and continue to offer input and ask questions about the cavalier handling by the CVRD on the water treatment solution and egregious fire water situation. A bigger debt doesn’t mean a better solution.
It is time to vote “No” to the ongoing CVRD slop that continues to be served up to the subdivision community.
Why?
Lets crunch numbers:
$2,000 Project Debt Service Cost
$1,000 CVRD Tolls
$1,000 Water Tax
Leads to a $4,000 minimum PER YEAR WATER BILL AND LONG TERM FINANCIAL HARDSHIP WITH NO SUBDIVISION FIRE PROTECTION AND MORE. This is a galaxy far away from the promised “All Free Today” water upgrade and $1,000 per year water bill.
As one fellow subdivision resident put it, “Hard to say yes to anything when I have no idea on the project and what that encompasses”. So true. Another resident wasn’t surprised and stated, “CVRD is self quoting and self managing projects with a we know everything attitude”. Un-conflicted 3rd party water and Fire Specialists need to be consulted. A Steering Committee needs to be in place (BEFOREHAND) to prevent the signing of a blank cheque to the CVRD on a multi-million dollar open upgrade that still lacks demonstrable research, scope, budget, tendering processes, options and clear purpose. FOMO does not add value. By definition this is a boondoggle, not a project.
So why does CVRD constantly have a difficult time presenting information in a coherent and truthful package? It appears CVRD hasn’t done their homework or due diligence which is just not minimal perfunctory requirements This is not about sending CVRD back to the drawing board, it’s about CVRD actually going to the drawing board. See previous Grapevine article: “Quantum of Solace GLID”. Squandered engineering time and weak assessments mean expensive shortcuts, especially when egos, agendas and narratives are at stake. This is an unnecessary and outrageous predicament that the subdivision residents have been placed in and now we the taxpayers are expected to pay the way out of this incompetence.
Still not convinced to vote NO?
The rumoured water treatment is a convenient, no in-depth engineering required, one size fits all, of the most expensive kind. Cost effective treatment options are available.
The rumoured water treatment involves trucking off island natural organic byproducts for eternity at significant operational cost forever and the importing of new treatment material. Do these actions satisfy the island’s Official Community Plan (OCP)?
Water Meters are to be installed? This is already a failed CVRD business and operational model tried in Parnell. There is no significant eco-green or operational benefit. This nonsense serves no other purpose than increasing upgrade costs as it is not associated with Surface Water Treatment Objectives (SWTO) compliance.
By analogy; So far the only reason I’ve been told to vote “yes” is to prevent a $10 coupon from expiring on a $50 hamburger of non-descript. I’m not convinced and neither should any other concerned subdivision resident be.
Operational Fire Hydrants are an integral component of any subdivision water system. They are not a luxury car trim option. Fire Hydrants are required by the CVRD for all subdivisions. This is also consistent with BC Provincial requirements.
Vote “YES” on Fire Hydrants for your safety and property.
Still not convinced?
Superior Tanker Shuttle accreditation is an awesome alternative system to protect a single rural structure on fire, one incident at a time. Box checked. Fully Support!
SUPERIOR TANKER SHUTTLE IS NOT DESIGNED FOR SUBDIVISIONS (LIKE GRAHAM LAKE). CVRD representative Bruce Green has yet to answer and clarify the numerous questions from subdivision residents and 3rd party Fire Specialists on this very concerning issue. AND YES THE TITANIC HAD LIFEBOATS BUT WHY WASNT EVERYONE SAVED?
There is no guarantee that an Interface subdivision fire will be covered by fire insurance as many around the globe are finding out. A saving subdivision property approach results in best outcomes for everyone. Firesmart equipment can help.
CVRD’s $500k Fire Hydrant reactivation cost is obscene. CVRD has yet to break out cost to 3rd party Fire Specialists in the industry. A FREE 63 million gallon storage tank is available, it’s called Graham Lake. Was that included in the budget? Who authorized the removal of the Graham Lake Emergency By-Pass in the Pumphouse?
Firesmart equipment is available at Costco and can properly function off an operational Fire Hydrant water system, not the current or proposed system.
A Fire Hydrant Fire Protection feature is better value for buying and selling of subdivision property, than fire insurance. The fire victims in Los Angeles, Lahaina, Fort Mac, Lytton, Kelowna appear to agree.
The Parnell residents have an existing buried Fire Standpipe available which has been tested by the Fire Department. All it needs is operational Fire Hydrants. Just the water tanks at Bill Mee are not adequate.
When the significant subdivision fire occurs, enough fire protection best practice, codes, standards, regulations, by-laws have been intentionally disregarded opening the door to legal liability and criminal investigation. Ironically, this action will probably be led by the insurance companies. I recommend keeping this article in your fire safe with your insurance documents.
Ask your elected CVRD Denman Island representative Daniel Arbour; Why are facts and dialogue so difficult to engage in with the CVRD? The last two recent CVRD community interactions were a useless, shameful farce and a waste of time.
FOMO rarely leads to responsible project and financial planning.
Whether you decide on a “Yes” or “No” vote, a Steering Committee is a must.
There is no next time.
Best wishes and may your god be with you.
Have a good summer!
