Wednesday Nov20th/2002
SOS Committe
Herve Langlois announced today a donation
comittment on behalf of SOS to help off-set the huge environmental
costs set by Parks Canada before Btk use within the park.
The following is a letter sent to the Waskesiu
Community Council.
Mr. Don Ravis, chair
Waskesiu Community Council
Waskesiu Lake, SK
Dear Don,
Further to our discussions, please be advised
that the Save Our Spruce Committee is prepared to support
the Community Council by providing funding for the Environmental
Assessment portion of the budworm project.
As I understand it, the maximum outlay is
projected at $40,000, of which the community, through the
SOS efforts, is to finance two-thirds of the actual cost.
Therefore, the maximum requirement is just under $27,000 to
be made available by March 15, 2003.
As discussed, it is important that this
funding be identified as dollars comming from organizations
and individuals in the Waskesiu community through donations
solicited by the Save Our Spruce Committee. Further, in order
to ensure that donors know, we would ask that public information
you may provide on this account include an acknowledgment
of the Save Our Spruce Committee efforts to raise the funds.
Further, with repect to anticipated future
requirements related to the actual BtK spraying, it is our
view that the community portion of this component of the project
should be financed through a levy mechanism on Waskesiu residents
and businesses, the nature of which is to be determined.
The presidents of the Cabin and Cottage Owners Associationboth
have indicated strong preference for that approach, as compared
to a solicitation for donations. It is only fair and reasonable
that all should participate in this.
Reliance on the good will of the few, through
donations, to finance a project that has benefit for all is
not in the best long term interests of the community.
Therefore, we would request that the Council
continue its negotiations with Parks Canada to establish such
a mechanism. There are several precedents in the community
including funding for grey water disposal, sewer and water,
and washrooms in the cabin area. As always, we are prepared
to asist you in anyway we can.
Again, we wish to thank you and members
of Council for the excellent work done on behalf of the community.
Yours very sincerely,
Herve Langlois,
SOS Coordinator
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