Record staff
The multi-phase, multi-partner south sewer project was unceremoniously flushed down the drain Saturday, as nearly three quarters of voters who took part in the referendum voted against the estimated $56 million project.
The Comox Valley Regional District had secured approximately $35 million in funding for the project.
The referendum was asking residents of Royston, Union Bay and Kilmarnock whether or not they were in favour of tax payer-based funding for the balance of the project, amortized over 30 years. The estimated cost to homeowners was pegged at between $1,800 and $2,000 per year.
A total of 963 votes were cast, 681 of which voted against the proposal, 71 per cent.*
The second question put to voters was whether or not they supported a public–private partnership (P3) agreement. Of the 967 votes cast on that question, 729 voted no, or 75 per cent.*
See Tuesday's Record for reaction from the referendum results.
*Results unofficial. Official results will be posted June 22.