To the editor,
If we consider crisis as a time requiring urgent action, then a recent hydrogeologic study conducted in Oliver Paipoonge proves we are indeed in a time of planning crisis.
The study on the Cooper Road subdivision shows that the wells are not potable requiring treatment and recommends as does the province a community water system. There may be enough water present for 12 lots (if industry practice of multiplying needs by 3 times for peak usage is not applied) but if it is supply could be doubtful.
Most troubling is the study's assessment of total aquifer capacity along its boundary with the proposed Macmillan/Bloedel subdivision. Using the study's own calculations the adjacent 24 lots (minimum) would require 25 per cent more water than the aquifer is capable of sustaining. The aquifer will therefore drop. There is a reason some Municipalities in Ontario forbid industrial subdivision without municipal water; frequently disastrous, questionable at best.
The only possible solution would be another community water system. A water system of roughly five times the capacity of the Rosslyn system would be required. Given this Municipality has spent almost $1.5 million on Rosslyn this year and continues to lose hundreds of thousands per year for its operation -- this new system will cost several million to build and then hundreds of thousands every year for operation. All borne by the taxpayers of Oliver Paipoonge.
The other half of the “water budget” is drainage. In order not to pollute their wells the study recommends that all drainage and runoff be directed to the southeast corner of the area, potentially contaminating existing wells along the south end of Pennock, Rosslyn Road and even the village. No regard has been made for this.
Could this have been avoided? Absolutely. As a councillor I raised concern in Council twice in 2022 that a study on the total water availability and drainage was essential for the entire area (Pennock to Vibert and the rail line to Cooper). In the interests of expediting an application our Mayor and the Director of Operations asserted there was “lots of water”, Council did not support my concerns and planning did nothing.
In June of 2022 over 50 people made a deputation to Council on concerns over water, drainage, types of industry and the absence of any comprehensive site planning. What was the response? They were attacked in writing by our planning department as misleading and alarmist. Council refused to listen or act.
As of this date, needed studies are still missing, our Official Plan and zoning by laws not followed and concerns of the Conservation Authority have been not addressed.
Is there an answer? Certainly. Admit we do not have that ability in our planning; hire professionals to evaluate the entire affected area and show all water and environmental constraints that need to be applied.
Only then can we apply those constraints through a comprehensive site plan order so that the water, environmental and future monetary interests of all taxpayers are protected.
Rick Potter
