Since there is a strong movement opposing the replacement of the water storage facilities in Tunstall Bay, I would like to point out some historical facts.
Tunstall Bay’s water system was built in 1970.
In 2004 the auxiliary 25,000-gallon tank collapsed and was not replaced. Brad Hawthorn, the public work superintendent at the time, recommended a 80,000-gallon US tank as a replacement to supplement the existing concrete 50,000-gallon tank for fire protection and emergency storage. Council requested the staff to immediately investigate funding alternatives to submit to the Tunstall Bay users for their urgent consideration. Seventeen years later, it is finally an option.
I am aware of several fires at Cap Roger Curtis since 2017. Tunstall Bay water helped to put down those fires, just as it had previously helped Seileigh Park. Because those neighbours have wells, they do not have water storage in place when there’s a major fire. The fire chief (2021) admitted that he would get the water from the closest water source.
In the past few years, the number of residences using Tunstall Bay’s system has increased from approximately 120 to 140 houses, straining the system. Furthermore, numerous part-time residents have now become full-time users.
I share the resentment of some Tunstall Bay residents since we are shouldering the expenses of a new storage tank while also protecting our neighbours in case of a fire.
With the aquifer in danger, heat bombs, the new park at Cap Roger Curtis, skyrocketing tourism and little supervision, more fires are inevitable.
The island is divided into six designated water areas run by volunteers with one council member in charge. I feel the municipality should be totally in charge of the water system and every resident should share the cost of providing the entire island with much-needed fire protection. We are one island!
With climate change, we clearly need more water storage and more supervision of unprotected areas.
Denise Rankin
