The price of water in Canada is amongst the lowest in the developed world, but per-capita consumption levels are amongst the highest, and Squamish is no exception.
In a presentation to council at a District of Squamish Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday (May 12), Rod Pleasance, Water Conservation Strategy project engineer, said Squamish consistently uses 700 litres per capita per day, exceeding the Canadian average by 110 litres. He said the reason is simple - the water is free.
"Canadian statistics show residences that pay for water by volume use about 40 per cent less water per capita than flat rate users," Pleasance said.
With $500,000 for water meters in this year's municipal budget, staff intends to meter commercial and institutional users, as well as install some meters to measure neighbourhoods.
The residential meters are intended to be used as a pilot program.
Other municipalities such as Richmond have introduced a voluntary water-metering program as an alternative for residents to pay only for the actual amount of water they use, rather than being billed on the fat rate system. Details for a similar program in Squamish depend on results of the pilot program.
"I think water metering is important because it is the only way to get consumption down. People will not stop using as much water until they feel in the pocket book," said Coun. Corinne Lonsdale.
While Coun. Paul Lalli agreed with industrial water metering, he said more investigation is needed on the residential side.
"I don't want to make water affordability an issue in our community. The price of a gallon of water is more than the price of gas right now and I believe that everyone should have the right to water," Lalli said.
Coun. Rob Kirkham was also in favour of keeping a flat rate system for residential users. He said young families should not be penalized for needing water.
"I think instead we need to educate the public for the need to conserve water first," Kirkham said.
The small residential pilot project is moving ahead. Pleasance said the project should give council a sense of the community's wishes and next steps.
BC Housing OK'd
It appears BC Housing has given the Riverstones project the initial thumbs up. But developer Michael Hutchison said the organization is making a few amendments before the application is approved next week.
Hutchison said BC Housing is happy with the project's mix of affordable units with 48 residents for seniors. But representatives are also asking for a covenant restricting the development to rental units for 35 years.
The district has already waived up to $520,900 in municipal fees to ensure the project is financially viable for the developer. To protect their investment, council passed a motion that fees be refunded with interest if the project is sold or ceases to be purpose-built housing at any time. The interest is set at the Scotia Bank prime.
With the new 35-year covenant, Hutchison said the game has changed.
"With the current agreement, at the end of 35 years I will owe a lot of money. There's a good chance I won't be around in 35 years and I am not going to leave my descendents with a $5-million bill," Hutchison said.
Hutchison asked that council consider waiving the fees if the Riverstones development fulfills the 35-year covenant.
"I have already spent the money and so I continue down the road in good faith. At this point, I am sort of stuck with it," Hutchison said
Council referred Hutchison's proposal to staff before making a decision.
Workshop kicks off trails plan
A Trails Master Plan is meant to guide the District of Squamish with regard to trails issues and it's expected to be completed by the fall of 2009. With such a tight timeline, it's the top priority for staff according to a recent report.
Work on the plan kicked off at the recent Committee of the Whole meeting with a workshop designed to lay the foundation for the terms of reference and scope of work.
Council recently voted to eliminated $17,000 in trails maintenance in favour of putting $5,000 towards establishing the master plan for various networks, which involves provincial, private and municipal property.
Gardner said the plan will legitimize any trails construction and maintenance on those lands when that process is completed. Council debated whether to include trails outside of the district. Coun Patricia Heintzman said the most important part of the puzzle is the community.
"This plan is for the community and it's just a bonus that people come here," Heintzman said.
Council directed staff to come back with a completed terms of reference in the next few weeks and a finished plan by Nov. 30.
