September 13, 2011

Hon. Murray Coell, MLA
F-2412 Beacon Ave.
Sidney, BC
V8L 1X4
Dear Mr. Coell:
Re: Saturna Island and Water Conservation

I am writing you in my capacity as President of the Saturna Island Property Owners' Association (SIPOA). Our current membership comprises almost half the property owners on Saturna Island.

As you may know, the issue of water conservation has recently become quite contentious on Saturna and it has focused our attention on many aspects of the issue. We write to inquire if you might assist us to get the Province to promote rainwater capture and storage, perhaps in the way that the Province regulates insulation and thermo pane windows. We understand that in the latter case incentives are provided by way of sales tax relief and an exemption for equipment and installation costs, in an effort to encourage conservation.

We are suggesting that tax relief on equipment and installation would be a timely incentive to encourage the collection and use of rainwater throughout the province, and be of long term benefit to all citizens. Perhaps the federal government could be persuaded to include water catchment systems in its retrofitting program (the current program covers insulation, windows, etc.).

If you agree that a similar environmental initiative were appropriate in the case of rainwater capture and storage, perhaps it might be incorporated in a forthcoming Provincial budget. We would appreciate your advocacy of this initiative given your representation of the Gulf Islands, where water conservation measures will no doubt continue to be a significant priority in the years to come. Encouraging rainwater collection through tax measures could make an important contribution.

In a similar vein, I have attached a short summary containing four excerpts from the minutes of the recent workshop on water conservation that was held on Saturna Island. It shows that there are expensive and possibly unnecessary requirements imposed by the Capital Regional District for implementing such catchment and usage. We would request that you ask the CRD to consider ways to ease the impediments and facilitate this good practice.

Thank you for your attention. We would be pleased to discuss this matter with you and/or your staff in the near future.

Yours truly

Murray Rankin

Cc. Trustee Dian Johnstone

cc. Trustee Beverly Neff

cc. Ken Hancock, CRD Director

cc J. Land, Chair, Saturna Water Conservation Committee

ATTACHEMENTS

Excerpt #1

Andrew Money asked Ken Hancock why the regulations regarding rainwater catchment were so stringent since they made it more onerous for homebuilders.

Ken Hancock explained that under the current regime, a homeowner requires a
covenant to address the challenges with rainwater catchment since it is seen as an unconventional way to get potable water. Part of the reason for this, he said, is it informs subsequent property owners that the rainwater catchment system has unique ongoing maintenance requirements.
Secondly, Mr. Hancock said the covenant ensures that the CRD is not held responsible or liable. He commented that the policy is currently under review and the committee has come up with a bylaw amendment that has no covenant. The committee has asked for a decrease in the building inspection fee in regards to rainwater catchment as well. Ken Hancock estimated that the cost of a well engineered rainwater catchment system is about thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) in total, which includes the cost of the roof.

Excerpt #2

John Gaines said he felt that the Islands Trust had become anti-development. One of the requirements for development is proof of potable water. He disagreed that water should be a provision for the initial development of land.

Planner Richardson responded by stating that the Saturna Land Use bylaw does not require proof of potable water for subdivisions so the decision goes to the provincial approving officer. Planner Richardson explained that he has asked the officer if he would consider rainwater catchment as proof of potable water and he said no.

Excerpt #3.

Priscilla Zimmerman commented that regulations need to change where there is a deadline for the occupancy permit. She suggested the CRD should start a certification process to get the occupancy permit.

Director Ken Hancock said the problem is finding someone to do that. He said an expert has to sign off and unfortunately, this is expensive but still a part of the regulation and building code. Mr. Hancock said the CRD is open to looking at it.

John Money suggested that the CRD will have to set up a process.

Director Ken Hancock replied that he would be interested to see any other jurisdiction in BC not requiring an engineer to sign off.

Excerpt #4.

Dave Payton stated that he was confused about needing the engineer to sign off which places a criteria on water catchment making it more expensive. He suggested that a group of people interested in water catchment needed to come together to discuss this in more detail.

Director Ken Hancock responded saying that the CRD is definitely willing to look at reducing the cost.

Dave Payton questioned why rainwater catchment is treated as a special case. The expense, he said, is not justified.

Director Ken Hancock said that water catchment and potable water are very different subjects and Bylaw 99 only refers to water catchment.