Council unanimously approved a controversial wastewater treatment facility in Bragg Creek, July 27.
The decision was made after recessing the public hearing on June 22 to investigate the legality of building the facility on the proposed site, which is an environmental reserve located immediately west of the hamlet of Bragg Creek on Wintergreen Road, just north of Balsam Avenue.
Council also wanted to investigate a possible time extension on government funding for the $3 million project, but it learned that was not possible.
“This is a tremendous step forward for the community of Bragg Creek,” said Councillor Harvey Buckley.
“We understand the health risk and we have been told about the boil water advisory and the contamination of the aquifer. In light of that, I will support this motion.”
Because of subsurface conditions in the area, septic fields in the area have historically contaminated the alluvial aquifer, rendering the water unsafe to drink.
Residents have been under a boil water advisory for years, something the community feels should be addressed.
However, some members of the community were against the site chosen by council.
Several residents said it is too steep and are concerned that the effluent from the wastewater treatment plant is too close to the water intake for the water treatment plant, approved by council in 2008.
Still others expressed concern over property values and increased traffic in the area.
“I am frustrated because the location wasn’t discussed today,” said Bragg Creek resident David Wakefield. “Yes, we need water and sewer. We weren’t against the water and sewage treatment; we were against the location.”
Several alternate locations were suggested by residents, but were deemed unsuitable for various reasons such as cost.
Resident Bruce Eager was in favour of the location and was confident in the science behind the plan.
“This has been engineered by engineers and the staff of Rocky View,” said Eager.
“I have been a resident since 1972, and (since then) the 270 houses in the flood plain have been putting effluent in the river. It is just time we stopped.”
Division 8 Councillor Hopeton Louden was disappointed the community couldn’t reach a consensus, but said the facility was necessary.
“My dismay is that people will leave here divided, even for such an important thing for your community,” said Louden.
“I think it is the right thing to do.”
