(Aired on January 29, 2010)
Mayor Peter Milobar is right. He says it's time for the rubble to meet the road when it comes to water meters. City Council is facing a huge spending increase for water projects, if they don't put in universal water meters. Council will be forced to spend a huge chunk of money to upgrade the Valleyview system because of increased demand. If water meters are installed, they won't have to do that for many years down the road. It's just the start of the problem.
You can say what you will, but this is a decision that has to be made now. Water rates will go up for the construction, but in the long run, it's the right thing to do. And contrary to some armchair quarterbacks, we can't go to a referendum on this. Councillors have to have the courage of their convictions and make the necessary decision. That's why we elected them. If the public doesn't like what they do, there's an election in November 2011 when they can let the council know they did or did not back their decision.
If we can reduce water consumption by 20 percent in peak periods, the savings to the system will be huge. As Kamloops continues to grow, demands will continue to be placed on our water capacity. We already know that we overwater. Water meters will help keep that in check. Let's not play around with this any more. Let's get the job underway and make the decision. Council has wasted enough time.
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I still think a new referendum is the best way to settle the issue in light of the prior referendum on the issue. The last time this came up before council, the community seemed to have very strong views on both sides. I think a referendum would approve meters, but it would also people opposed to feel the process was the most legitimate it could be.
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