News Release - January 6, 2009
DELTA - Gordon Campbell's relentless drive to plow ahead with his preferred route for high voltage lines through Delta is wasting millions of dollars, say the New Democrats.
"Campbell wouldn't listen to the community, he didn't care about homeowners, he just pushed ahead with his own narrow vision for the power line route," said Delta North MLA Guy Gentner. "Now we find out that it will cost $40 to $50 million more to buy out the homes that will be impacted by Campbell's route."
Hundreds of homeowners who live under a high voltage power line in Delta have been given only five days to accept or reject offers that are estimated will cost the government about $70 million.
Estimates of the cost of putting the lines underground range from $20 to $30 million.
"The Campbell government insisted that going underground would cost too much money. Now it's clear that the Premier's favourite route will cost even more," said NDP energy critic John Horgan. "The Campbell government is wasting millions of dollars for a route that will wreck homes and destroy neighbourhoods."
"The Premier has shown unbelievable arrogance by neglecting to rethink his government's position and save B.C. millions of dollars that could be better spent elsewhere," said Gentner.
Thousands of Delta residents have been protesting the power lines, saying the project poses serious health risks to people in schools and homes underneath the four-kilometre line that increased in voltage last summer.
In 2006, Gentner introduced The Utilities Commission Amendment Act which severely restricts high voltage power lines in the vicinity of settled areas, parks, recreational areas, residential areas, private or public schools, child day care facilities, and playgrounds.
"This arrogant Premier has caused real hardship and stress for the people Delta by refusing to listen to their concerns," said Gentner. "I'm urging him to stop this mess immediately, listen to the community, and do the right thing for Delta."
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Contact: Leah Herman 604-775-2405
