Dear editor,
I am writing to your attention to reiterate my concerns regarding the matter with the reservoir on Broad Cove Banks Road. Two tanker trucks were parked on the opposite side of the road pumping water from the reservoir on Saturday, July 26th with no traffic control in place. The RCMP were immediately notified to address the safety concerns due to the high volume of traffic on the Broad Cove Banks Road given it was Inverness Gathering week. The RCMP Corporal requested the work be halted until traffic control was put in place.
(On Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014 Ben Cowan from Cabot Links was at the reservoir.)
I, myself stopped at the reservoir to express my concerns directly. I restated what was told to residents at a previous council meeting by Joe O’Connor. Mr. O’Connor advised that the reservoir was to be used to hold water for the all residents living above Cameron Drive in case of a fire. The response I was given by the Cabot Links employee with the RCMP present was as follows “we’re taking every drop of water from there because the quality of water is perfect for the grass at Cabot Cliffs. Council approved it and that all the permits were in place.” When I asked if I could see the permits I was told they were not on hand.
Due to extreme dry conditions this summer it is imperative that a reservoir of water is readily available in case of an emergency or fire. Mr. Mustard contacted Mr. O’Connor to address my concerns regarding the reservoir. Mr. O’Connor responded by stating the decision never went through council; Mr. O’Connor personally approved the water removal from the reservoir. Apparently, there is now an intention to install a fire hydrant next to the Gerkie residence on Broad Cove Banks Road within the next two weeks.
Without the knowledge of the residents this agreement was made. There are many safety concerns associated with the reservoir being depleted. It appears that the priority lies with the development of Cabot Cliffs not with the local residents. Residents of Broad Cove Banks Road have been lobbying for the installation of fire hydrants for the past four years. Suddenly, a fire hydrant is said to be installed within the next two weeks. A serious oversight has occurred in the decision making process with the reservoir being emptied and no working fire hydrants in place during dry season. Local residents are not being informed about important decisions that are being made behind closed doors not through the public local council.
Sadly, the imminent safety and concerns of local residents are not being taken into account regarding emergency situations and potential danger(s). I understand the local development of the golf course(s) is the mandate. However, no residents are informed about key decisions that could potentially place themselves or their residents in danger. Again and again, the residents of Broad Cove Banks are let down.
Thank you for taking matter forward.
Mr. Melvin O’Brien
Broad Cove Banks Road Resident
