Dear editor,

I see a letter to the Record published on Nov.29 suggests raising of water rates (is) an irresponsible move by the CVRD. (Raising of Comox Valley water rates an irresponsible move)

However, anyone who takes the time to ask about the reasons for CVRD water rate increases will quickly find that it would be grossly irresponsible for the CVRD to not upgrade/replace a water delivery system that is rapidly approaching its best before date. Surely it is fitting that those who use the water service pay for the costs of upgrading the system over time.

If those who use the water don鈥檛 pay for it, who will?

In the same letter, the contributor complains bitterly about the quality of the new CVRD offices. However, we have an excellent example of the cost of cutting corners in the old CVRD offices that had to be abandoned over safety issues.

He then goes on to the absurd suggestion that raising the monthly water supply rate to cover necessary upgrades to the system will create 鈥渕any more homeless.鈥� Wow! If only the inverse were true and a small subsidy would end homelessness.

Norm Reynolds,

Courtenay