Okotoks council will finally make a decision on a Calgary pipeline on Sept. 23, but it should not be theirs to make.
They had their chance, now it should be left to the new council.
Okotoks Coun. Matt Rockley is trying to force council’s hand by tabling a notice of motion for Sept. 23. His motion will state Okotoks should proceed with a water pipeline to Calgary.
Rockley argued the current council has been studying this issue for three years and it has the information to make a decision. He said it is a decision this council should make — it should not be pushed on to the next council.
Rockley’s argument has merit. If there is any criticism of the current council, it is it’s inability to make decisions. Okotoks council has been debating a long-term water solution for almost a decade.
However, to make a decision on such a substantial issue on the eve of the October municipal election is too late.
The new group will be forced to live with a decision they did not have the ability debate themselves.
True, Okotoks desperately needs a resolution to its long-term water needs, but at this juncture council should not be the ones to make a decision on this issue.
They could not get it done and hopefully the next council can.
Okotoks’ water needs should be left to be debated in the campaign process because it will likely decide the October election.
