Dean Murdock Saanich Councillor

COMMISSION RECOMMENDS RAISING WATER RATES

Nov 18, 2010

If the Regional Water Supply Commission has their recommendations heeded, water rates will go up next year for residents and farmers right across the region.

Yesterday the Commission recommended an increase of 2 and a half dollars a year to the average household. And also a 1 per cent increase to the Agricultural Rate.

Boosting the farmer's rates was something commission director Dean Murdock was opposed to.

Once again, our region is faced with the challenge of proposals to develop agricultural land for residential purposes. The market value of farm land as potential real estate is a tempting cash infusion for farmers struggling to maintain a profit. But this is a short-term solution. In the long run, it is no solution at all -- and brings major consequences for future food production, land use, and our valued quality of life.