You might say that residents of Saskatoon’s Nutana area have their “shit in a knot” over proposed plans to build a new sewer lift station in Rotary Park and who could blame them. The idea of dealing with raw sewage in your back yard isn’t exactly appealing to anyone. City administrators are recommending council approve plans for the construction of the new lift station near the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge in Rotary Park.
It seems that there are concerns about the ongoing viability of the existing lift station located across the river in Victoria Park. It’s been in operation for close to a century and the underwater pipe which transports sewage across the river hasn’t been inspected since 1911. City administrators favour the new location because the estimated cost comes in about $600,000 lower on that side off the river.The annual cost of operation will also be lower by approximately $15,000.
The new lift station would include public restrooms and the city plans to landscape to prevent the station from becoming an eyesore. Odour control equipment would be installed in an effort to minimize foul smells but it’s doubtful that it could be eliminated totally.
Councillor Charlie Clark who represents the area on City Council says he will not support the move.
Councillor Pat Lorje who represents Riversdale where the current lift station operates is fully behind the change. “Words fail me,” she said. “I understand the ‘not in my back yard’ syndrome….when you have professional engineers recommending a specific location, they’re not doing it for frivolous reasons…I don’t think it will have that large of an impact on the neighbourhood.”
I could go either way on this, as long as they keep it operating in a public park. :) Sheesh!
Norm Fisher
Royal LePage Vidorra
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