The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Talk of a potential subdivision behind the Flintoba Shopping Centre has revived the decades-old political issue of waterworks for Channing. The city has ordered a feasibility study to examine the possibility of opening up residential lots in the swampy woodlands between the shopping centre and Wally Heights. If the subdivision becomes a reality, it's possible that sewer and water lines from the development could eventually be extended into Channing and Wally Heights. "The initial discussions would be to run a 10-inch line right through the entire subdivision, which would be sufficient size for the future to service Wally Heights and possibly Channing at some point in time," said Flin Flon Director of Works and Operations Rick Bacon. Since even the possible subdivision is by no means a guarantee, Bacon couldn't say how much it would cost to extend the lines or how soon the work could take place, though it would be years from now. He said the extension of waterworks would hinge on factors such as availability of funding and demand from Channing and Wally Heights residents. "There would have to be a big push from Channing to get that accomplished," said Bacon. But even the possibility of waterworks Ð no matter how uncertain Ð already has some residents crossing their fingers. "That'd be great," said Bonnie MacDonald, who has lived in Channing for a dozen years. MacDonald said the worst part about having no waterworks is the constant monitoring of sewer and water tanks required, particularly when company is over. "You always have to be cautious," she said. But would Channing residents band together to lobby the city? See 'I' P.# Con't from P.# "I think so. Yeah, I do," said MacDonald, adding, however, that she's not getting her hopes up at this early, ambiguous stage. Over at Wally Heights, Harold Spring is just as keen on the idea of not having to rely on water and sewer tanks. "I think it's a good idea," he said of the possible subdivision. Bill Andries, who also lives at Wally Heights, said he's been hearing murmurs of waterworks for years but is hopeful that this time, things may pan out. "I'm pretty sure that most people around here... I don't see why they wouldn't want it," he said. "It would be nice. Rather than the water delivery, we could get rid of our tanks." But not everyone believes waterworks are still a foremost issue in the pair of subdivisions, particularly since the city began footing the bill for holding tank pump-outs in 2003. 'Made Due' "I think for the most part people have made due," said Rande Lindsay of Channing, adding that she doesn't hear much about the need for waterworks anymore. But there's no denying that, at least at times, it has been a hot-button issue. Supporters of waterworks argue that it's archaic and unfair for citizens of a modern community to lack sewer and water lines in the year 2006. Opponents counter that residents choose to live in these subdivisions and that there aren't enough people in them to warrant the expenditure. Former mayor and city councillor Howard Abrahamson previously told The Reminder that the major stumbling block for waterworks in the 1970s was a general lack of support. Abrahamson said in a 2003 interview that "a great number of the people in Channing did not want it" for whatever reason. Asked if the project would have gone ahead with more endorsement, he replied, "I believe it would have." Though residents may have different reasons for opposing waterworks, one obvious downside is that the lines would add to property value Ð and thus to property taxes. The Reminder first reported on the possible new subdivision behind the shopping centre last month. Since then, Bacon said he's heard an outpouring of support for the idea. "I've had people saying how it'd be nice to have a nice quiet subdivision in town that gets away from the busier streets but also still provides access to the areas and bus routes and stuff like that," said Bacon. "A lot of people, I think, are curious about the idea and they've got questions to ask. I'll be able to make a much better public announcement in November when the first stage of the (feasibility) study is done." Hundreds of Lots Based on aerial photographs, Bacon estimates there could be room for hundreds of new lots in the proposed area. He pointed out that even if results from the first phase of the study are favourable, other variables come into play, such as accessibility, drainage and layout. Another factor would be the willingness of the federal and provincial governments to lend a financial hand, since Bacon considers it "highly unlikely" the city could develop the land on its own. In the best case scenario Ð and with a green light from city council Ð Bacon estimated development on the subdivision could begin as early as 2008 or 2009.
