Cambridge councillors at odds over who should decide where water goes

Who should be the decision-makers when it comes to water allocation in the City of Cambridge?

Councillors were on opposite ends of the spectrum Tuesday when discussing the city’s water allocation policy and bylaws. A presentation on the policy being voted on at council next week suggested that staff ultimately make the decision.

The policy broke down applications for water allocation into three priority levels that would act as a guideline for development. Projects with affordable housing and potential job creation would be at the top of the list for approval.

Councillors questioned staff about the policy, looking for more specific wording and clarification in numerous areas, but the most notable discussion of the evening was whether council should be the ones allocating water, rather than staff.

“For me that means that we are not being trusted to make good decisions, and only staff can make good decisions,” said Councillor Helen Shwery. “The public needs to be part of the process, and removing that authority from council just strips us of our responsibility.”

Staff said putting that role in the hands of council could give the perception of a politicized decision when it comes to who and who does not get water.

Councillor Mike Devine backed up Shwery’s concerns.

“Each and every councillor sitting here lives in this community; we are members of this community, a lot of staff do not live in this community,” said Devine. “I don’t agree with this policy one bit.”

Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett came to the defence of staff, saying water allocation is a complex issue that city staff would understand more deeply than council.

“I think that we can be biased as councillors,” said Liggett. “It depends on who is chattering in our ear at any given point in time, which developer is talking to us or lobbying us. I am confident in leaving this issue – because it is a very serious, serious issue — in the hands of staff who are qualified.”

“At some point we have to let go of that thought that we are the end all and be all of these decisions. This is a totally different type of decision.”

Staff noted the proposed policy is similar to what has already been approved in Kitchener and Waterloo.

The policy could be reviewed at any time and would only apply to the northeast quadrant of the city, which is part of the Mannheim Service Area.

Cambridge Council will decide on the matter on July 21.

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