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HomeMy WebLinkAbout74-464-(0 REPORT NO. 3 Letter re BOWMANVILLE SEWAGE A copy of the attached letter from Mr. James W. Robinson, addressed to Mr, Alex Carruthors M.P.P. was forwarded to Council for information. By resolution C ®74304 Council referred the letter to this Committee. Since the letter deals with problems with which we are all familiar, and the letter was not addressed to the Town of Newcastle in the first instance, I am recommending that Council be advised that no further action is necessary on this matter. Respectfully submitted, George F. Howden, Planning Director, February 22, 197 4. FROM MR,. JAMES, W. ROBINSON, LETTER ADDRESSED TO MR. ALEX CARRUTHERS2 M,P,P, Dear Mr, Carruthers, In reply to your letter of February 5th, I would like you to consider these facts, The Town of Bowiaanville's Sewage Treatment Plant is now committed to full capacity. As it is located in a flood plain on the Bowmanville Creek, it cannot be enlarged in its present location. A new plant must be located on Lake Ontario. That leaves Bowmanville's growth potential frozen for at least two years. Hampton is in a similar position, and could easily become a floating septic bed with- out services. A single program to service both Hampton and Bowmanville might be possible but of course will need the proper environmental and engineering studies. The time needed to accomplish this is extremely valuable, and there must be none lost in petty argument between various agencies and levels of Government. The effect of this freeze on Bowmanville will not be noticed for a year or two, nor will it be too disasterous if limited to a two year period. However, upon completion of the existing approved construct- ion, which will bring population up to an estimated 15,000, there will be a noticable imbalance of land use for the area. I would draw your attention to the recently approved (1973) Official Plan of the Bowmanville Planning Urea. Part I, Basis of the Plan, and Part II, Section A, Goals, make interesting reading in view of the fact that they are already out -dated in practice and have been under - estimated in facts. The theory, however, is valid, and this is where the problem of imbalance has arisen. Almost all total reserve of the sewagd facilities that was at first forecast to last until 1986 has been consumed by new residential development. This is perhaps good in itself, as it undoubtedly will relieve some, (not much) pressure of the Housing Crisis in our area. We have felt, and wi11 continue to feel, great pressures in the Housing Industry from the huge Metro Region. Prices have sky- rocketted,mainly through mismanaged and unto- operative Government agencies responsible for planning and development. I hope the creation of the Housing Ministry will help resolve this particular problem. However, on an over -all picture, the Town has become just another dormitory for Toronto. Not a healthy situation at any time, and certain- ly not the purpose of the official plan. Granted, there are to be some small industries locating in our area in the near future, but these are just puddles in the ocean. More and larger industry must be encouraged to located in the area. The economic future of the Town of Newcastle is at stake. No large commercial and industrial interests could be persuaded to locate in an area where expansion was not (cont'd ... 90) - 2 forseeable or even possible in the future. Without heavy services becoming available, the town cannot grow, and industry will shy away. Result: Stagnation, Newcastle is now a reasonably strong part of the Region. Allowances must be made now for its continual growth, lest it diminish in economic importance. The fact remains, however, that Bowmanville itself needs a lot more development in its Downtown section, as well as its need for more industrial self-sufficiency. In increasing its population to 157000 all at once, the Town has, in effect, built a very nice cart, but lack the horses to pull it. Are we going to put it up on blocks and let it rust away? There are many developers waiting and willing to pour money into the Town. But the fact remains Bowmanville can go nowhere at all until this question is resolved. Before we get the reputation as a dead, problem, or one-horse town, and the financiers give up in disgust and impatience, a start must be made on a program to provide the area with sufficient sanitary services for a long time to come. If nothing is done, an initial inflationary period will drive home prices sky-high. Then as the stagnation sets in, property values will decrease along with demand. Bowmanville will not only look unattrac- tive to investors, but I can forsee many people moving away in search of a place with more life and vitality. It seems a dismal picture, and we must not let it happen through disinterest. I urge everyone concerned to embark on a study to determine the requirements of this area at once. I will be glad to be of assistance in any way possible. Trusting this will enlighten you on the problem.