Lower Beverley Lake Park septic compliance moves into engineering and provincial review stages
DELTA — Work to address long-standing sewage and compliance issues at Lower Beverley Lake Park remains in its early stages, with key questions around cost, scope and regulatory approval still unresolved.
A verbal update to council on May 4 confirmed that a motion passed at the April 27 committee of the whole meeting has been forwarded to park manager William Morris, but has not yet been formally considered by the Lower Beverley Lake Park Board.
The motion, brought forward by Coun. Paula Banks, calls for the inclusion of “blue barrels” in the engineering scope of work and seeks clearer direction on timelines, costs and correspondence with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Chief administrative officer Shellee Fournier said the motion missed the park board’s most recent agenda due to timing, but is expected to be considered at its next meeting on May 26.
In the meantime, the park board is moving ahead with the initial phase of the project, focusing on design and engineering work. Two proposals have been received, estimated at approximately $40,000 and $70,000. The lower-cost firm is now being asked to refine its scope, including septic system design work estimated at about $9,500 per system.
Fournier said the municipality is still at the beginning of the process, with a consultant expected to prepare a full design and submit a new Environmental Compliance Approval application. That review will determine whether existing systems, including the blue barrels, can remain in use or require replacement.
Council approved a $100,000 draw from reserves to support initial work, though it remains unclear how many septic systems that funding will cover. The park currently holds approximately $185,000 in reserves.
Debate at the May 4 meeting highlighted ongoing uncertainty around the status of the blue barrels, including whether they meet provincial standards and who has the authority to determine their compliance.
Coun. Jeff Banks questioned why clearer direction has not yet been obtained from the province, arguing that an engineering assessment, not a standard septic inspection, is required to determine whether the systems meet code.
Coun. Debbie Hutchings asked staff to confirm where the barrels were originally purchased, suggesting that sourcing from certified suppliers could help clarify whether they meet required standards.
Coun. Dustin Bullich indicated that a septic installer will assess the current condition of the systems, including whether there are leaks, while a consulting engineer will be responsible for the broader design and compliance review. Any continued use or replacement of the systems will ultimately require approval through the provincial Environmental Compliance Approval process.
Councillors also raised concerns about the pace of the file, noting that the issue has been under discussion for more than a decade.
Coun. Paula Banks requested that Lower Beverley Lake Park be added as a standing item on future agendas to ensure regular updates as the project moves forward.
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