Dear editor,
I am writing to voice my support for the family based water business on Sackville road in Merville.
The positive features of their business plan include:
- a small home based family business that sells to local Comox Valley customers;
- gives the public access to pristine natural water with nothing added or removed;
- a carport size building for sanitizing and filling five gallon reusable plastic bottles;
- home delivery with no added traffic concerns for Sackville Road;
- restriction to the quantity of water to be bottled which will be closely monitored;
- extensive assessment has been done to ensure that their water source is 100 per cent sustainable;
- the business would comply with the vision of the Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy for sustainable development
Findings by Dennis Lowen, an independent highly qualified hydrologist, have confirmed the findings of the BC Government Ministry. The detailed technical assessments were done on the proposal and no impact to other water users, to the environment, aquifer capacity and the water level trends were found.
It has come down to the question is it ethical to sell water. It is a fact of our modern lifestyle that bottled water is readily available for sale. Renewable resources, managed properly, can provide benefits for individuals as well as the community. In this case it is a niche market for pure alkaline water with a pH 8.1 which can satisfy a specific market need. The water to be sold is for human consumption and will not be wasted.
It is important to consider that, at the present time, people in the regional district can have multiple wells on their property. They can use their well water for any purpose and quantity they please. Filling swimming pools and large fish ponds, as well as running well water 24/7 for landscape water features are just a few examples of water usage that is not currently monitored as to the amount used.
The initial public outcry to the applicant’s business plan was based on the false information that was circulated on social media prior to the applicants’ first appearance before the CVRD Board. Unfortunately there is still misinformation being posted online.
Environmental concerns are important but any actions should be based on fact rather than highly charged emotions.
I hope that the proponents get a fair public hearing and their rights to submit a rezoning application is respected.
Jan MacKenzie,
Comox