Residents have spoken on the City of Powell River’s options for treating sewage. A majority of people who attended public consultation events in May made it clear they prefer a publicly owned and operated consolidated facility over joint treatment at Catalyst Paper Corporation’s mill.
The joint technical-local advisory committee has listened to the input. Only one member of the committee voted in opposition to the consolidated option, and that person just happens to be employed by Catalyst. As some members of the committee pointed out, there’s no debate now that the public has weighed in.
The committee, however, doesn’t have the final say on the choice. Its recommendation will go to the steering committee, comprised of all members of council, except for the mayor, and representatives from Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation and Powell River Regional District. That committee will make a recommendation that goes to city council, which does have the final decision.
Since the concept of joint treatment was first unveiled along with the agreement in principle between Catalyst and the city, council has invested significant time, resources and money into that option. So much, in fact, that to many residents, joint treatment seemed to be a ‘done deal.’ That perception, according to the report on the public consultation events, has eroded trust in both council and Catalyst and reinforced the feeling of a lack of honesty, transparency and accountability.
The message from the public is clear and now it remains to be seen if council has heard it. Abandoning joint treatment will help to restore the public’s trust and confidence in elected officials.
What might frame the decision for councillors is the fact local government elections will be held in November. In the end, the ballot box is the best way the public can hold elected officials accountable. Those councillors seeking re-election who choose not to listen to the community may pay the price in November.
