A commentary by the regional director of the Urban Development Institute - Capital Region, writing on behalf of the institute, the Victoria Residential Builders Association and the WestShore Developers Association.

The Capital Regional District is advancing a multi-billion-dollar water infrastructure plan despite uncertainty about its necessity within the 30-year planning horizon, driven by outdated growth projections and declining water usage.

The approximately $2-billion budget is triple the CRD’s next-largest spend: the $775-million sewer plant. And the $2-billion cost will likely grow significantly.

Funding this plan will hit water users hard. The proposed Regional Water Supply Development Cost Charge covers just 35 per cent of costs, leaving 65 per cent to a significant water rate hike: bulk rates will more than triple in 10 years.

The CRD has failed to engage the public meaningfully, leaving most residents unaware of looming sticker shock. This lack of transparency is troubling, given the scale of the financial impact. Housing delivery will also suffer.

The home-building community has repeatedly asked the CRD to pause its plan and assess the impacts, and to engage in meaningful public consultation about........

© Times Colonist