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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Groups Beg Council Not To Rush Decision on P3

Some concerned citizens aren't buying the idea that a public private partnership--or P3--could create jobs and cut costs when it comes to revamping the city's water treatment facility.

Andrew Graham of Common Causes tells CHSJ News Saint John has the oldest municipally-owned water system in Canada and it makes sense to keep it that way. He says by enlisting the help of multi-national corporations we're effectively ensuring any cost-savings or efficiencies we find trickle out of the province.


Dustin Bowers tells us he doubts it would be less expensive, saying any big company will be concerned with profit margin first, and delivery of quality services second.


Meanwhile City Manager Pat Woods has said there's widespread confusion about exactly what a P3 means, because it's certainly not the same as privatization.