Springfield mayoral candidates raise concerns over water projects

Two mayoral candidates in the Rural Municipality of Springfield, Margaret Marion-Akins and Edwin Giesbrecht, raised concerns about the municipality’s water and wastewater plans in an election forum on Oct.13 at Dugald Community Club.

All four candidates, Marion-Akins, Giesbrecht, Melinda Warren and Daniel Page, attended the forum organized by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Springfield-Ritchot MLA Ron Schuler was the moderator, and about 180 people were present.

Springfield will be getting a new mayor as current Mayor Patrick Therrien is not running for a second term.

Candidates answered pre-prepared and audience-submitted questions. The questions included infrastructure, economic growth, safety and other concerns.

Marion-Akins said the Dugald Oakbank Water System (DOWS) was Springfield’s biggest challenge.

A new DOWS water treatment plant for the region is currently in the planning stages.

“This water quality information puts the project in jeopardy and brings into question the viability of the DOWS,” Marion-Akins said. “I have personally discussed the issue with the director of the aquatic ecosystem branch; there will be a delay while aquatic studies are completed.”

She said Springfield needs a safer groundwater source. She added the water system’s licensing has been under review for 17 months because of groundwater quality issues.

Springfield is also upgrading its existing wastewater lagoon.

Giesbrecht said Springfield’s wastewater project could cost $70 million and take three to five years, while he is thinking about a regional connection to Winnipeg as an alternative that might cost approximately $10.5 to $22.5 million and take 12 to 18 months.

“I’ve been informed directly by our municipal administration that servicing capacity is now affecting development permits,” he said. “We’ve reached a critical point. Infrastructure is no longer simply supporting growth.”

Warren, who is also a current councillor, said Springfield’s recreation centre and the DOWS project were her priorities. She said she is seeking federal funding, grants and loans to fund major projects while also raising funds to reduce borrowing for the recreation centre.

“Without the water, we can’t move forward with growth. No new businesses, no offering residents housing options. We need to provide clean and safe drinking water to everyone,” she said.

Page said transparency must be addressed to solve broader issues. He said the majority of the current council failed to work with transparency and openness.

“The root cause is the present state of our governance and civics in this municipality,” he said.

The election is on Oct.28.