A resident Purcell’s Cove says community members are “bracing” themselves for the cost estimates of water and sewer services to the area.
The latest chapter in the water and sewer study process begins Monday night when CBCL consultants reveal the potential cost for Area 1 residents based on six options, including laying pipe underneath the North West Arm, along Purcell’s Cove Road, or through the backlands.
“The community has made it very clear that the vast majority … have said they do not want water and sewer, even if its subsidized by the developer,” said Catherine McKinnon of the Purcell’s Cove Area 1 Resident’s Action Committee on Sunday.
“We certainly feel we want to make that crystal clear because it appears that there’s been a lot of pressure from development interest.”
Alan Ruffman of Ferguson’s Cove said the numbers released Monday night during a community meeting won’t alter the public’s steady opposition to services.
“While people will sit politely and listen to the numbers, I don’t think there’s going to be a whole lot of support … to initiate the beginning of sewers,” Ruffman said.
“They aren’t going to be of interest to most of the residents in the sense that .. there was not even a whisper of a strong demand for water.”
Coun. Linda Mosher is a member of the study’s steering committee and said although there hasn’t been a complete discussion of the details yet, the option to cut through the backlands surprised her.
Mosher, the area’s councillor, said she has been involved with the issue since 2006 when area residents originally asked for a study into how much water and sewer would cost.
She said the problem is after seven years those people may have moved or resolved their own water issues.
“They may have dug new wells, or addressed it so in all probability the issues that were around in 2006 are not around in 2013,” Mosher said.
“But someday down the road if an issue occurs or residents change their mind, then you have the study done.”
The meeting is from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Captain William Spry Community Centre. — Metro Halifax
