Passing the cost along is the only fair thing for residents
The Fortis-proposed Substation and Transmission line project creates a number of troublesome issues and should be a key concern for all area residents.
First and foremost, any health issues or risks to local residents from the proposed new station and overhead transmission lines need to be fully determined prior to the start of any construction. If there are any proven health risks to surrounding residents then the project should be changed so those risks do not exist.
That should be automatic. It is unfair in the extreme to put financial restraints ahead of any person's health.
We aren't saying that is what is going to happen, but when the issue of increased costs arise, and it will, then that concern must be secondary to health concerns.
If costs are the main issue, then why not pass those costs along to what has made this whole project necessary in the first place – new development in Osoyoos.
It has been stated that the project is needed to meet the rate of growth in this community. Therefore, that cost, like the cost of increased use on a community's sewer treatment plant, should be passed on to the developers. That way, private industry pays the real costs of doing business in the community. We think that is the only fair solution to residents and taxpayers.
