Editor:
Re: City must release utility-purchase info, April 21.
I wish to give kudos to White Rock resident Ross Buchanan for his tenacity and diligence in forcing the city to release documents pertaining to the Epcor water-utility purchase.
Along with many others, I gave my approval to buy Epcor because I was led to believe that there would be an open debate – with all facts and figures provided – about the merits/disadvantages of linking up with Metro Vancouver water.
We were all told that the city first needed to buy the utility before any discussion could take place regarding the long-term source of the water.
Because of the perseverance of citizens like Mr. Buchanan, we are learning that hooking up with Metro Vancouver water supply was never going to be considered.
The city fought unsuccessfully to keep the business case out of residents’ hands for a long time. One can only wonder why this would be so.
Although some councillors like to pay lip service to the concept of open government, it seems that the reality is the complete opposite.
It is such a shame that residents are forced to jump through so many hoops just to know exactly what our city is doing.
Hannah Newman, White Rock
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It has been suggested that our city has spent $237,000 of our tax dollars to hide the true cost of the water utility in White Rock.
The year 2018 is going to be fun!
Barry Gaudin, White Rock