Charlottetown mayor goes on the attack
Clifford Lee takes all parties in legislature to task over discussions regarding Water Act
“I am disappointed with the lack of support the City of Charlottetown has from the two opposition parties and one government MLA during the recent discussions of the Water Act.” Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee
Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee had some harsh words for all political parties in the P.E.I. legislature recently over discussions that took place in the house in December regarding the Water Act.
“I am disappointed with the lack of support the City of Charlottetown has from the two opposition parties and one government MLA during the recent discussions of the Water Act,’’ Lee said, adding that much of the talk centred around the city and its water usage.
First, the mayor took Opposition MLA Steven Myers to task for asking what the recourse is for someone who lives in an area where the city draws water who doesn’t want it drawn from that area.
Myers didn’t identify the area he was talking about in the legislature, but it’s highly likely it is Miltonvale Park, currently home to the city’s second water source. The city hasn’t begun to draw water from that area yet but is expected to soon.
“Does Mr. Myers really believe that punishing the 37,000 people in the city of Charlottetown is the right thing to do in this scenario where one person is fearful of the water being drawn from the water table in their area?’’ Lee asked.
“Does Mr. Myers not understand or appreciate the fact that Charlottetown is also part of Prince Edward Island and the people who live and work here must also have access to water?’’
Lee added he gets the impression that beating up on Charlottetown is good politics for Myers.
“But, then again, I suppose that’s a problem for Mr. James Aylward to deal with because maybe the Progressive Conservatives have written off Charlottetown as an area they would like to represent,’’ the mayor said.
Lee then went on to criticize Green party members Peter Bevan-Baker and Hannah Bell for failing to give the city any credit for its water conservation efforts, noting that, in 2017, the city is drawing water at an extraction rate equal to what was being taken 17 years ago, an impressive number considering the growth in that time.
“It’s absurd that Ms. Bell would suggest the outlying communities are carrying a risk for the benefit of Charlottetown,’’ Lee said.
“Even she questions what compensation is going to be provided to other municipalities in the areas where water is being drawn.’’
Lee said the city has taken steps to reduce its extraction levels and has created a new wellfield to ease the pressure on the Winter River-Tracadie Bay Watershed, which is currently the only source of water for the city.
“I find it amazing that these MLAs really know very little about the recent history of water conservation and investments in water supply in the city.’’
Lee also had some stern words for Charlottetown MLA Bush Dumville. The MLA suggested Miltonvale Park should be compensated for having a well in its community.
“For such an experienced MLA to make such a statement is unbelievable. He needs to think about the people he represents in the legislature rather than simply jumping on the bandwagon.’’