On Sept. 3, Dale Murray of Triton Engineering updated Erin councillors on the BM Ross schedule and estimated costs to complete the town’s long awaited SSMP (Servicing and Settlement Master Plan).
Murray wanted to specifically address a recent letter from Matt Pearson of BM Ross that outlined a number of issues.
“We had outlined a number of comments – not only mine – but town staff,” said Murray.
BM Ross was asked to provide an updated schedule and what the additional cost might be. Murray added that he also met representatives personally to discuss the letter.
He said “they do recognize and agree with the concerns that they needed to be addressed in the SSMP.”
He said there may have been doubt in some people’s minds, but after meeting with them, Murray said it is a well-known company “definitely committed to completing this SSMP process.”
He added “they are not only committed to completing the SSMP, but completing it within the terms of reference contained within the request for proposal three years ago. It is part and parcel of the agreement signed with BM Ross.”
Murray considered this a move forward.
He added BM Ross did submit a revised schedule to complete the work requested.
“That shows a completion date of the SSMP in May 2014. Personally I think that is optimistic based on what I know has to be done.”
But, he said, “They remain adamant this can be completed by that time.”
Murray said the proposed additional costs above the original budget is $54,000 – most of which is related to additional work required to finalize the Assimilative Capacity Study (ACS) to reflect new data that will be provided by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC). The collection of data is being undertaken by the CVC and expected to be completed this fall.
The BM Ross costs also include additional meetings with council, CVC, the Ministry of the Environment, the liaison committee and the core management team to review the growth numbers from the ACS and where the community wants to go with future growth in the town.
Murray said the revised plan also notes the need to have more meetings with both the town and its planner on what growth can occur and where it can occur.
“I maintain that one of the key components to this is the input from this council,” Murray said. “I really believe that any consultant requires some direction from council in terms of what its expectations are and where it wants to go.
“In my opinion, I don’t think the SSMP can provide any meaning without that direction from council.”
