Letter from Garth Woodworth Re: Storm Water Drainage on Chilco Road

John Rogers, Town of View Royal

February 6, 2012 2427 Chilco Road, V9B 6V5

Dear Councilor John Rogers,

This letter concerns the matters we discussed over the phone this evening. I'd like to summarize them in case you may be able to raise them with Mayor and Council.

1. After my previous letter of October 13, 2011, you kindly informed me that the Town had decided to investigate the water flow along my part of Chilco Road, and the outcome was that: a. Deficiencies concerning the present drainage system that it will be necessary to correct were identified by your engineering staff. b. A cost estimate for an independent engineering opinion would be sought as to possible ways to remedy problems that exist with the present drainage system.

The information you provided about the above was quite general as you discussed it from memory at the time. My letter to Mayor and Council was never answered, so I have no real information about this plan. Can you arrange for me to have an update?

2. I have no information about the deficiencies noted above. I understand that the road has remained closed because of them. I would like to know what the deficiencies are, when they will be addressed, and when the road will be opened again.

3. As we discussed, the Town installed a sign with my address number on it near the lower closure point indicating the closed road as the way to get to my place. Everyone who comes to see me comes to that point and is confused about how to get to my place. If they have a cell phone, they phone me, but even then, although it is simple for us, it is not always easy for people to understand the other way to find me. This has caused a lot of frustration. Quite a number of the services, like Hydro and UPS and others, have tried walking up that road to see how close my house is, then they have become frustrated and thrown the plywood barricades aside and driven up the closed road.

It is not fair to me to close that road for six months, with no explanation. The only communication I ever had about the road being closed was last August when I was told it might be closed for as long as six weeks. Now it is about eight months, and I have had no further information about it. Please let me know when the road will be opened.

4. With regard to the rain garden that is supposed to clean the storm drain water from the development above me, it has entirely washed onto my land adding to the gravel previously deposited. This includes most of the plants. Again, I strongly object to any water from that development being diverted onto my property, and certainly any foreign materials.

Thanks for your assistance with these matters,

Regards, Garth Woodworth