There are happy rumblings that a deal may be close on the funds to dredge Ladner's secondary channels. And because promises of dollars come at election time, I want to let you know the role your community - and I, as your MLA - have played (primarily because, if I had to guess, I won't be part of any announcement!).
First, I have to applaud the sheer determination of the Ladner Sediment Group, which, when our dear port announced it would no longer dredge secondary channels, started its long struggle to get government and port to do their duty and contribute to a dredging fund. At some point, the port decided it had a "social responsibility" (which we have heard characterized as "stepping up") and seeded a fund that would go toward a one-time-only dredge, after which communities were on their own.
So, as we revelled in the port's commitment to social responsibility, our boats, homes and wharves were sitting on the bottom of the river. Time and effort continued and then, to the enormous credit of our municipality (and huge relief of the Ladner Sediment Group), Delta came on board, committing $2 million to the dredging fund. That makes $4 million, half what is needed to get both the job done and leave enough in the bank for ongoing maintenance.
Meanwhile, our MP is also working to convince her colleagues the federal government needs to get involved and, as I understand it, is having a good deal of success. Hopefully the dredging fund will soon balloon with federal dollars.
And the province? The actual landlord of the water lots that are so clogged with sediment that public safety and property is at risk? Immediately after the last election, I met with the minister of transportation and the following day the deputy minister came to my office for a chat.
My contention was - and remains - that the province, which owns the water lots, has a fiduciary interest as landlord. I invited the deputy to see the problem firsthand and the Ladner Sediment Group arranged a boat tour at low tide. The deputy assigned a permanent liaison to the sediment group, whom we also took on a tour.
Ministry of Transportation officials realized the problem was serious. The trick was getting both ministerial commitment and money. So I wrote letters; spoke in the house; met with minister again (and again); asked questions in estimates; spoke in the house some more; wrote more letters; and asked question in question period. And the minister committed. And the Ladner Sediment Group and Delta kept up the pressure.
So now we await the money. And if our province makes its eagerly and welcome announcement, please remember those years of work and lobbying by the Ladner Sediment Group, by Delta and by your independent MLA.
