The newly formed CRD Eastside committee to explore sewage treatment options is official.
Coun. Ben Isitt reiterated his concern over the makeup of the two committees as the municipalities overlap with waste headed to both Clover Point and Macaulay Point outfalls.
However, the terms of reference are crafted to reflect geography as opposed to what area uses which outfall.
“I have a high expectation there will be a collaboration between them [Eastside and Westside],” said Victoria Coun. Marianne Alto.
Saanich Coun. Vic Derman said he suspects the governance structure is not yet ideal and will evolve.
“It provides a forum, it starts a process,” Derman said. “We may find a need to alter it as time goes on.”
The committee is tasked with working with the Westside committee and municipalities to explore potential common facilities and use of current CRD assets.
Meetings will be open to the public (unless closed in accordance with legislation) and the meetings are to be webcast and held in the CRD board room on Fisgard Street.
“I do think we absolutely need to have an open and transparent process between the two committees,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps. “It can’t be two mayors just meeting in a coffee shop … that doesn’t do it for me.”
The Eastside committee, fashioned after the Westside, will meet at least once a month and at the call of the chair.
“It’s a great opportunity for us all to be moving forward,” said Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardin.
“Westside is not proprietary in any way, shape or form” and Eastside is free to share, steal and borrow their research and findings.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com