Sage Mesa Water Crisis Response to Water Comptroller

August 19, 2025

Connie Chapman

Deputy Comptroller of Water Rights, Province of British Columbia by email connie.chapman@gov.bc.ca 

Re: Sage Mesa Water System - Customer Notice from the Comptroller of Water Rights

Dear Ms. Chapman:

It is with great disappointment that our first and only communication with a comptroller of water rights in 35 years was couched in language that can be interpreted as a veiled threat of financial ruin. It could also be interpreted as an effort to steer our vote in the upcoming referendum. As a judicial arm of the provincial government, we hoped that you would be more impartial. Canada is first and a democracy.                                                                             +-

As stated in your letter the comptroller of water rights seized and then became the manager of our water utility 35 years ago. During your 35-year tenure as manager the system has degraded to a point of imminent collapse. The

historical issues related to financial mismanagement and system deterioration pointed out in your communication have been exactly replicated by your agency. At no point in that 35 years were Sage Mesa residents informed of this

impending disaster. Nor were they privy to any information regarding the condition of the infrastructure or invited to take part in any of the decisions regarding its management. That governance has been yours and yours alone.

Now when the collapse of the system is inescapable you are demanding the 242 homeowners utterly ruin their financial futures to pay for your mismanagement. We believe, as any objective observer would, that the comptroller of water rights bears tremendous responsibility in this case.

The financial burden being imposed on Sage Mesa residents has devastating real-world consequences. Families are facing the possibility of mortgage defaults, the derailment of their children's education, and the erosion of

retirement security. Seniors who have worked their entire lives to live independently are now at risk of losing that dignity. These are not abstract numbers-these are lives being upended. The emotional toll is immense, and the

community is being pushed to the brink. We will not accept this quietly. We will fight hard against this injustice and make the consequences of this mismanagement very public. The people of Sage Mesa deserve transparency,

accountability, and a solution that does not sacrifice their futures.

It is also important to note that Sage Mesa is the only water system in British Columbia directly managed by the Comptroller of Water Rights. As such, it should be held to the highest standards of compliance with provincial legislation. Failure to do so not only undermines public trust but also sets a dangerous precedent for water governance across the province. If the Comptroller cannot or will not follow its own laws, how can it expect others to do so?

We are seeking a fair and equitable solution to this situation. The use of what can be interpreted as strong-arm tactics will not resolve the issue. We urge you to view this issue objectively, acknowledge responsibility and help us reach a fair and equitable solution.

Regards,

Sage Mesa Water Committee, sagemesawater242@gmail.com

Media Inquiries: Pamela Hanson: 250-486-1119, PameLa@pamhanson.ca

Spokesperson: Bruce Turnbull: 250-486-1495, natcaptured@gmail.com