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Re: Open sewage pipe fouled Petrie Island beach, May 21.
As a resident of Orléans, I was pleased to see us finally get this recreational facility and frequently enjoy its benefits. Over the past few years, I was saddened to learn of the problems related to foul water, restricted swimming, ridicule from other parts of the city and lack of support for further development. Now we learn why.
That this sewer pipe remained accidentally open, pouring raw sewage into our river and fouling our beach is not the issue that distresses me so much as the failure to report it. Our councillors are attempting to see what is to be done to improve this situation and how this may be avoided in the future. This is a diplomatic and gentlemanly approach.
am a taxpayer who sees $50,000 for studies that might not have been necessary, had someone at the city’s water and waste water department picked up a phone. Or had the Ontario environmental ministry, once notified, picked up a phone.
Do no employees of these government departments live in Ottawa? The problems at Petrie Island were well-publicized. Do none of these people read or listen to the news? It stretches credulity to believe they did not know that council was unaware of the source of the contamination and were spending big bucks to find out.
The only conclusion to explain this behaviour is either incompetence or a cover-up. I favour the latter. Explanations are due. Accountability is required. Please pursue this story. I’ll be glad to be proved wrong.
Sharon Lawrence,
Orléans