City of Powell River officials begin widespread public consultation on the liquid waste management plan with a fresh example of the downside of public-private partnerships in the forefront.
Officials are grappling with the costs to relocate the barge terminal from Westview to Townsite, but all the details about the move are being kept behind closed doors. Instead of openness, transparency and accountability, the public is faced with secrecy, invasiveness and stonewalling. At stake is thousands of dollars of public money, but the public will be the last to know exactly how much in revenues is being lost, why and who is responsible.
Much of the criticism about the proposed co-treatment option, where Catalyst Paper Corporation would treat the city’s liquid waste in its facility, is centred on the negative aspects of public-private partnerships. The agreement with City Transfer Inc. proves those concerns are justifiable.
It’s not too late for city officials to turn the situation around, by going beyond the Community Charter and opening the doors of in-camera meetings, to provide the public with the information it should have about the barge terminal relocation.
