Communications, Politics, Waste

Area C Director’s Report: payphone access & QCove sewer grant allocation


From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney

Hello,
Here we are arriving in September rich with cricket music and garden bounty, and excellent community events just finished (Quadrapalooza!) and right around the corner (Youth Harvest Happenings Fall Fair!).

At the August SRD Board meeting there were several Area C related topics discussed. This report shares decisions made regarding Village Bay payphone access and a grant funding allocation to Quathiaski Cove sewer.

Village Bay Lake payphone

Telus’s removal of the payphone at Village Bay Lake caused significant concern for many islanders and in particular the Village Bay Family Water Recreation Society: there is no cell coverage available in the area, the Lake has about 75 cabins, and the area is also frequented by day users and folks accessing Main Lake Provincial Park.

Since October 2024 SRD staff have been investigating the potential for reinstating the payphone or finding an alternate solution. The latest report from staff stated that Telus is not interested in restoring the payphone and examined other options.

Alternative options

One option could be a fixed satellite radio system configured to limit calls to 911 only: activation and ongoing operational costs were estimated at more than $20,000 annually. Having the Regional District involved in instituting this would require a Service to be established for recovering costs.

The other option reported was that Rogers Mobility is now offering a satellite-to-mobile beta trial open to all Canadians using any mobile carrier if they have a compatible device. Reportedly, this satellite connection works south of the 58th parallel in most outdoor areas where you can see the sky and may be a solution for individuals.

After considering the report the Board voted that further research into establishing a Service for funding an emergency telephone service for the Village Bay Lakes area be discontinued for the time being. If there’s curiosity in establishing a Service for an emergency satellite phone connection at Village Bay Lake, I’m available to discuss this with folks – find my contact info at the bottom of this report.

Continuing advocacy

The Board supported requesting a meeting with BC’s Citizen Services to discuss Telus decommissioning payphones in areas with limited or no alternative communication services and the community safety and accessibility issues this raises.

This is not just an issue for Village Bay Lake: there are other areas in the SRD which have suffered a similar fate and equitable access to basic communication is vital. We intend to ask the Province to advocate with the federal CRTC for the continued availability of public payphones where they remain essential.

Growing Communities fund reallocation

In 2023 the SRD received approximately $2.6 million from the Province through the Growing Communities Fund, a fund designed support local governments in delivering essential community infrastructure. As required, the SRD allocated the funds to various eligible infrastructure projects across the region, including $200,000 to a water well exploration project in Quathiaski Cove.

Since the 2023 allocation more information has been uncovered about a potential water system in QCove. The water well drilling would come with little certainty in developing a potential community water system, and the projected costs are estimated to be over $20 million. If you’re curious and want more info about QCove water studies, my April 2024 Director’s Report has links and more info: bit.ly/Water-in-QCove-Directors-Report-2024.

From water to sewer

Planning for the QCove sewer treatment plant replacement, development of a preliminary design and potential collaboration with the We Wai Kai Nation is a higher priority, considering the status of the current system. At the August Board meeting the $200,000 earmarked for water well exploration was reallocated to QCove sewer integration, which will provide greater value for the available funding which must be fully expended within five years from receipt in 2023.

Solid waste survey

Public feedback wanted (that means YOU 😉)! The Comox Strathcona Waste Management Service (CSWM) has been working hard on a ten-year plan for solid waste of all sorts (recycling, garbage, compost). They’re at stage three of four — where residents help decide how to meet waste reduction needs.

There’s a survey available till October 16: the survey will take maybe 15 minutes, which hopefully you’ll find a worthwhile investment for sharing your thoughts on solid waste reduction strategies, financial implications of the options available, and the needs of Discovery Islands/Area C residents.

There are eight shortlisted strategies & 33 actions based on feedback from different communities, as well as cost to taxpayers, environmental impact, ability to divert waste, impact on operations, and community benefit.

If you’re not a fan of surveys and yet have opinions on the future of solid waste in our region, head to the Youth Harvest Happenings mini fall fair at the Quadra Community Centre on Sunday, Sept. 7: CSWM staff will be there asking survey questions in person, 10 am – 3 pm. See you there!

Connect

Thanks for taking the time to read this report. You’re welcome to connect with me with questions or concerns: email RMawhinney@srd.ca, or call 250.203.2468. And, you can visit robynmawhinney.ca to find previous reports and links to online resources.

Until next time,
Respectfully,
Director Robyn Mawhinney

Links of Interest:

All photos by Robyn Mawhinney