Cumberland must fix 'broken' infrastructure first, says development CEO

Marcel Tetrault, Comox Valley Echo
Published: Friday, November 21, 2008

Before building takes place on the Trilogy lands at the Inland Island Highway, the Village of Cumberland will have to deal with its "broken" infrastructure.

Trilogy CEO John Evans said that one of the biggest challenges faced before his 300-hectare residential and commercial project can move forward is the financing of the required upgrades to village pipes and dams.

Currently, the water system is at or near capacity, as is the sewer system.

"Clearly it's recognized by all that Cumberland's infrastructure is basically broken," said Evans. "There are significant costs associated with essentially getting the infrastructure to a level that will enable any development to proceed.

"That represents a challenge not only for the development community but also for the village."
While Trilogy is responsible for the costs associated with sewer, water and roads directly associated with their development, other off-site works - upgrading the dams, fixing existing village sewers - must also be completed and those are the responsibility of the village.

But how can that be done if the village doesn't have enough money?

"There is an understanding, at the provincial government level, that (for) municipal infrastructure there are programs in place to enable the village to proceed," said Evans. "That's together with the developer -- it basically becomes a cooperative effort.

"I think that's the sort of thing that needs to be explored. Without the necessary financing of the village works, we don't have a project. We've got zoning, but we don't have a project."

Other possibilities, at least for some of the lots, include standalone sewer or water systems, should the village decide to allow them.

Evans said he is also concerned about the state of the global economy and the impact that might have on the project, as well as the level of development cost charges in the village, the highest in the Valley.

"Obviously it has been a lengthy process, I guess probably three-and-a-half years since we began, so I'm pleased to see council moving forward," said Evans.

"But the simple message is there's a lot of work yet to happen in order for the project to proceed."


© Comox Valley Echo 2008