The issue of the boundary extension proposal for Area D in return for sewer service from Campbell River, has been getting some strong opposition.
At the latest open house on the proposal, a group of Area D residents opposed to the idea was set up outside with big ‘no to annexation’ signs.
Stan Zook is among those opposed and he says one of their major concerns is the destruction of their property.
Campbell River Deputy City Manager Ron Neufeld says when they go through in existing neighborhood putting in the sewer line can be disruptive.
He says they can try to minimize and disruption to people’s properties.
Some residents of that section of Area D are worried about the costs to individual homeowners who will have to pay hook up fees, construction fees and see their taxes go up. Others are concerned two large lots of undeveloped land that are part of the boundary extension but excluded from the sewer area are going to get developed once sewer service goes in, and that they are going to benefit from all the money current residents will pay in.
Deputy city manager Ron Neufeld says there would be many steps before those lots could be developed.
Campbell River’s Mayor, Walter Jakeway, has made it’s clear he is opposed to the expansion, saying at a recent council meeting the four million dollar debt the city will take on the build the sewers is a burden for local tax payers.
Another open house on the issue is planned for June and its expected a referendum asking Area D residents if they want to join Campbell River is will also happen in June.
