Victoria sewage plant potential locations revealed
Committee released map of 40 technically-feasible locations
Some of Victoria's most beautiful and iconic parks are being considered for a long-awaited sewage water treatment plant.
On Tuesday, the Eastside Select Committee presented a list of 40 "technically feasible" locations for the new plant, including Victoria's Beacon Hill Park and Ogden Point, Oak Bay's Willow Park, and lands on Arbutus Road in Saanich, B.C.
Geoff Young, a Victoria city councillor and a member of the liquid waste management committee for the Capital Regional District, says he expects there will be a few objections to many of the sites.
"Obviously it's extremely controversial to designate a part of a park to be used as sewage treatment."
Public feedback wanted
Marg Gardiner, president of the James Bay Neighbourhood Association, says she's concerned about the potential environmental impact on green spaces.
"When I look at our rare, ecological areas and our few naturalized areas, such as Holland Park and Beacon Hill Park, being identified I am very worried."
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps says the community has to be open to a sewage plant where they live.
"If everyone says not in my backyard, we're never going to get anywhere. This is the 21st century. There are sewage treatment and resource recovery plants around the world. You know, Vienna, Austria is an example ... smack dab in the middle of downtown. It's a tourist attraction," she says.
"My plea to the public is: now is the opportunity to get involved."
Public discussions about the sites will be held at the University of Victoria's Cadboro Common building on May 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT and at the Victoria Conference Centre on May 31, also from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.