The Comox Valley Sewage Commission has approved plans to reschedule public engagement on the future of the Comox Valley Sewer Service, as the community adjusts to a new normal amidst COVID-19 mitigation measures. Consultation will now take place in the fall, when it’s hoped the community can participate with more interest and capacity.
The Comox Valley sewer system treats wastewater, or raw sewage, from homes and businesses in Courtenay, Comox and K’ómoks First Nation. In early March, the public was asked to weigh in on a shortlist of options for upgrading the service’s conveyance system, including the pipes and pump stations that move wastewater to the sewage treatment plant. New conveyance options are being considered to relocate a vulnerable section of sewer pipe that runs along Balmoral Beach, below the Willemar Bluffs.
“Public consultation is a critical part of the planning process underway and – although there are digital tools available – we feel that people need to be focused on the ongoing adjustments to life and routine, and on keeping themselves and others safe at this time,” said David Frisch, Chair of the Sewage Commission.
An online survey was launched early in March and open houses were scheduled for April. Open houses were cancelled following directives of the Provincial Health Officer. As COVID-19 mitigation measures began to increase, the online survey was suspended. Responses to the online survey have been saved and will be included as part of the final report.
The revised engagement schedule will include online and open house consultation through the month of September, with the goal of staff providing a recommended option, based on the public and technical experts’ feedback, to the sewage commission in November 2020.
“We know that people have a lot on their minds right now, and we want to make sure the quality of our public engagement for this planning process isn’t compromised by pushing forward in this difficult time,” said Kris La Rose, Senior Manager, Water and Wastewater Services. “As we approach the fall, we’ll determine how best to connect with our community when we’re all hopefully in a calmer time.”
For more information on the Comox Valley Sewer Service’s Liquid Waste Management Plan, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/lwmp. To receive updates on next steps, visit www.connectcvrd.ca/lwmp and sign up to follow the project.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing sustainable services for residents and visitors to the area. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
Media contact:
Kris La Rose
Senior Manager, Water and Wastewater Services
250-334-6083