By Glenne Campbell
Published: March. 17, 2012
I am very concerned that the silent majority is not aware of the insufficient infrastructure Squamish must play ‘catch up’ with every time a new development is added to the community.
This ‘catch up’ is mostly at cost to the taxpayers. Are residential taxes sufficient for covering the costs?
My understanding, from conversations, public meetings and observations, is that some of the deficiencies are:
1) Province of BC Standards for water pressure – some areas are below standard. There are fire suppression issues in Brackendal.
2) Watermains, along with sewers and pumps, are running at full capacity or have deteriorated beyond effective use.
3) Dyke maintenance and failure-piping is a problem in many areas.
4) Storm management failure – run off during rain events are causing homes to flood in many areas of town. Even this January, which was not a heavy rain month.
5) There are issues of traffic safety of cars and bicycles and pedestrians. The roads are below BC standard roads in Squamish.
As the agenda for previous DOS council and staff seemed to be development and growth at any cost, (note the changes in bylaws), I ask you to take a serious look at Squamish infrastructure concerns.
I ask you to come to the table with an honest appreciation for the people who have lived and paid taxes here already. Many existing neighbours homes have suffered damages during the growth of Squamish in the past five years.
