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By Claire Brownell
Chelsea residents cried foul over a proposal to construct modernized sewer and water systems at a public meeting Tuesday evening.
“Why are you determined to suburbanize Chelsea? Most of us love Chelsea the way it is. We don’t understand why you want to change Chelsea so much,” said resident Doug Griffin.
Chelsea mayor Caryl Green and other representatives from the town’s council and staff made the case for a potable water network and a sewer system that would empty into the Gatineau River. About 100 people turned out for the meeting.
The proposal got a frosty reception. People started interrupting speakers to call out questions.
“Is this a lecture or a public consultation?” one resident interjected in French.
Green asked the crowd for 15 more minutes of patience to calm the hubbub that followed. Near the end of the meeting, she told the crowd she was frustrated with interruptions and demands.
“I find that disrespectful and unacceptable. I don’t think Chelsea as a community should put up with that. I’m here to answer your questions and if I don’t have answers, I will get back to you,” she said.
Green said building modern sewer and water systems would prevent contaminants from septic tanks from leaching into the soil, help local businesses and encourage the construction of affordable housing. The town estimates the cost of a filtration plant, pipes and hydrants for the water system will be $6.7 million if they’re built with the sewer system, which carries an estimated cost of $7.7 million.
New housing developments and a multi-million dollar community centre are in the planning stages for the West Quebec town. The municipality has developed a plan to add higher density developments.
Green said improving infrastructure, including sewers and water, is essential for Chelsea’s future.
“It’s about as a community, saying we want Chelsea to develop. It’s not just about the next five years,” she said.
Residents at the meeting were skeptical. Many people expressed concerns about additional costs to property owners, losing the rural character of the town and the environmental effect of pumping sewage into the Gatineau River.
Zoning changes to allow for the new residential developments and sewer and water systems to support them have not yet been approved by council. Municipal Director-General Paul St. Louis said he expects the expanded sewer and water system will go to vote by April.
If the vote doesn’t pass, the new developments will be in jeopardy, he said. “We need the infrastructure to support that. Not doing that is going back to developing without services.”
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