ARTICLE
Victoria, February 23, 2016 – The below was sent to the Liquid Waste Management Committee on Monday: "The Chamber is very concerned about the economic cost of the Rock Bay solution. We had the opportunity to speak in some detail with the Committee Chair last week. The concern with the Rock Bay site is related to the piping routes that will involve the installation of a two-metre diameter forced main that will limit access to downtown during construction. This main will require significant trenching and the adjustment of existing services on that route. The economic cost to the community of essentially digging a moat around downtown for the construction period (one to two years in our estimation) could be devastating. Ideally, sewage facilities located as close as possible to existing outfalls would reduce both the construction and economic impacts of that construction. It is unfortunate that solutions maximizing the use of existing infrastructure (outfalls) are not feasible. As such, The Chamber encourages the Committee to examine the feasibility of an undersea routing for the forced main and to consider the economic impacts over and above construction when evaluating the sewage treatment options. Bruce Carter Chief Operating Officer Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce” The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is the largest business association in Greater Victoria, with over 1,400 member organizations. The Chamber was founded February 9, 1863, and is funded by businesses to support business. It works to strengthen the region’s business community through networking events, mentorship opportunities, professional development activities and other unique programming to support their member businesses. -30-