Water privatization raises concerns in Fraser Valley
The title “B.C. isn’t immune to planet’s water woes” says it well [March 31–April 7]. Out here in the Fraser Valley, specifically Mission and Abbotsford, we are faced with the spectre of private control of our water supply.
We are supposed to be comforted by Abbotsford’s mayor and council assuring us: “”¦only the design of the treatment plant, the financing for the project, the building of the facilities and the operation and maintenance of the plant would be available as opportunities for private business partners.”
Actually, a private partner would also be involved in the construction of transmission pipes, since the water has to cross the Fraser River to get to us here in Abbotsford.
Fortunately, the fine folk of Mission were able to convince their council to avoid a private partnership. But the issue has yet to be put to bed, since there are rumblings that Abbotsford may try to go for partnership funding on its own.
This is in spite of our being clearly informed that the cost of private operation of the treatment plant would be considerably more expensive than if the supply of water stayed in public control.
> Regina Dalton / Abbotsford
Comments
4 Comments
RonS
Apr 14, 2011 at 7:10am
Stop them at all costs! In parts of India privatization of water has prohibitied people from collecting rain water! That's the thin edge of the wedge. Also, it's another union busting tactic used by private corporations. Now they will hire the cheapest labour to maintain and repair the facilities. Shortcuts will be taken to assure the bottom line is very, very profitable. Another P3 and another Waterton on the way here!
monty/that's me
Apr 14, 2011 at 8:03am
So, who bought that Council in Abbotsford? Is it true that the provincial government no longer employs water inspectors to test your sources of water? "Only the design of the treatment plant, the financing for the project, the building of the facilities and the operation and maintenance of the plant would be available as opportunities for private business partners." Was this delivered with a straight face? OOPS, SORRY, WE FORGOT TO MENTION THE PROFIT MARGIN. Where are the cost estimates? Taxpayers will pay and pay and pay. Not unlike Vancouver taxpayers who get to endlessly pay for Millenium whatever it is called this week.
Time for a complete overhaul of this idea of developers buying Councils.They have made enough money with all the shoddy construction that is the result.
Just wondering
Apr 14, 2011 at 8:08am
Whatever we do we have to stop these P3 projects. They will only allow wealthy individuals access to public necessities. Privatizing should only encompass none essential services and products because there are some things you can not place in private hands. So that leaves out health care as well, doesn't it? As far as I'm concerned these P3s only make off with public funds. I don't trust anybody that supports them or even down plays them in an effort to impliment them. That's our water and it belongs to all of us. These P3s should be run off like we ran off Campbell. Spin it anyway you want Its simply another attempt at privatization.
Devil in the Details
Apr 19, 2011 at 1:23pm
Mayor and Council knew about the need for a
new water source, since 2006.
The desperate push for a P3 project is due to
the following:
Mayor and Council's mismangement of the taxpayer's
money has resulted in their backing themselves into
a corner.
Let me explain:
The city is desperate for the DCC money from development
needed to help pay for the new water source.
On the other hand, however, it needs a new water source to
support any new development.
Abbotsford City Council has put the city into a situation
of 'UNSUSTAINABLE" development and is about to embark on
a bigger path of destruction, by rushing into a P3 to cover
up their lack of planning and financial management of taxpayer's
money.
The Abbotsford taxpayer's must send a clear message:
No more irresponsible municipal goverance and it is time
to be accountable to all the people of Abbotsford.