HUDSON'S HOPE -- During an open house held on Monday, some residents of Hudson’s Hope expressed their outrage over the proposed cost of a new water treatment plant.
The District is considering borrowing just shy of five million dollars to fund its construction, with an assent vote scheduled for October 5th to determine the outcome.
The repayment of the loan would be sourced from property taxes. While tax rates would remain unchanged for the next five years, they would increase as Hudson’s Hope repays the loan over a 15-year period.
If the vote passes, another vote would be held through the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), which would assume responsibility should the loan go into default.
Since July 2023, a temporary plant has been in operation following a change in the water source during the construction of Site C. The temporary plant, which purifies water from the Peace River, costs between $27,000 and $75,000 per month to rent and maintain.
Opinions among residents were divided. Some are willing to accept a marginal tax increase to ensure access to clean drinking water, while others believe that BC Hydro should cover the costs.
“Our corporate citizen, BC Hydro has, If nothing else, a moral obligation to ensure that this community has potable water-- and along with the moral obligation comes financial obligation,” said one attendee to a roar of applause.
Dan Davies, MLA for Peace River North, voiced his agreement, stating that BC Hydro has an obligation to provide clean water.
“At the end of the day, none of this would have been an issue if it wasn't for Site C-- and somewhat forcing Hudson Hope to look at alternatives for their water source. So to me, the government does play a responsibility here,” Davies told CJDC-TV.
He has been advocating in Victoria for the Crown Corporation’s responsibility, citing engineering faults during the construction of Site C that led to a year-long boil water advisory from Northern Health.
Mayor Travous Quibell emphasized that it would be more expensive to reject the vote than to agree to borrow the funds.
The upcoming vote will be crucial in determining the future of Hudson’s Hope’s water supply and financial planning.
More information on the vote can be found on The District of Hudson’s Hope website.
