Letter to the Editor Re: Cayet

Dear Editor,

I am concerned about the ‘New Town’ called Cayet proposed by the Trilogy Corporation.

I am deeply concerned about water. Since decommissioning the Hamilton lake Dam in 2006, Cumberland has come close to running out of water each summer. Our wastewater management has just in the last month come into compliance with National Health Standards.  It is common knowledge that Cumberland has a water-sewer infrastructure problem.  It is estimated that it will take 30 million dollars to remedy this. Cumberland has lacked, and currently lacks the ability to repair these problems.

 At a time when there is a blanket moratorium on new water hook-ups within the Village because of these infrastructure problems, water pipes are being run out of the core of Cumberland to support this ‘New Town’.   This one pipe is further taxing our water system. We do not have the capacity to accommodate 7,000 more of us, as proposed by Trilogy.   Cumberland Council is even borrowing money for water exploration to accommodate this development, further taxing our poor financial position.

Here is the kicker – Trilogy does not even own the 760 acres of land where the development is proposed.  They have an ‘option to purchase’ the land, and have only actually purchased the small area around the new Visitor Centre. We are being played by a large corporation that can walk away any time.  Trilogy is already advertising the land for sale, and selling Cumberland on speculation in blatant disregard to our community and our elected officials – most of whom have been deeply involved in the wellbeing of our community for decades.  They have guided Cumberland and attracted the arts, a world-class sporting community, and a large number of smart, focused, business-minded people that all love this town.

I urge Cumberlanders to stand up now, talk to your neighbor.  Attend Council meetings and help our elected officials negotiate this one-sided deal Trilogy has handed to us.  Royston and Cumberland are in a serious fight for our quality of life.

Jim Willard-Stepan, Cumberland

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