We’re not all snowmobilers. It’s probably safe to say that at least half the population living here has been thinking of heading to some place warm lately. For those of us who are not interested in snowmobiles, ice fishing or cross-country skiing, cold weather is not welcome and we can’t stop wondering when the snow is finally going to melt.
Something else we need to be wondering about; why is it that we can expect water disruptions when it gets cold?
We have major infrastructure issues in this province that aren’t just going away. To the City of Corner Brook’s credit, every time they dig into the ground to replace a water main or pipe they usually replace what’s there with more durable materials.
But in towns like Trout River and Howley infrastructure funding simply is not there. Trout River may have to replace most of its water lines because the equipment installed in the 1970s is wearing out. Their problem? They applied for funding for other projects before they realized they had these water issues and they’re now being told that it’s too late for them to change their request.
Howley representatives have been complaining for more than two years because their water distribution system, which was installed when Pierre Trudeau was prime minister, is essentially wearing out. They have been repeatedly told that their share of the gas tax refund cannot be used for their water system.
The smaller areas are a vital part of the province’s tourism plans, and it is in everyone’s best interest to keep them going.
If we’re the “have province” that the provincial government wants us to believe, we should be making it a lot easier for these smaller areas to fix their basic infrastructure.
Winter means a lot of things. It shouldn’t mean water shortages.
