Just how desirable is the Neptune wireless water meter program currently underway in St. Albert and does it truly meet a need for all or merely satisfy a want for some? The answer to that question of course depends upon what side of the issue one is on.
The most ardent proponents of this endeavour being the City of St. Albert administration and through their apparently blind adherence to whatever is put before them, the current St. Albert City Council would have the general populace ignorantly believing that it is the best thing since sliced bread. I suppose it would go a long way toward St. Albert being recognized as a “Smart City”, the purported benefits of which are, however not inarguable.
Since this program inconspicuously saw the light of day there has been considerable public push-back expressing serious concerns including individual privacy and personal health issues among others. One has only to Google the Neptune Technology Group to become aware of some of the problems experienced elsewhere.
While generally being in support of demonstrable technological progress I am appalled by the manner in which this particular program has been rolled out. Both administration and council have made concerted efforts to expedite the process while keeping the citizenry in the dark as to all of the details. Adding insult to injury is the issuing of communiqués bordering on intimidation as well as the potential of hefty fines for those who do not wish to participate.
I am most disappointed in our elected representatives who continue to reflect a “we know better than thou" mindset toward those who have put them in office. It appears they have adopted a self-protective bunker mentality while faithfully embracing the underlying dicta of the St. Albert Municipal Affairs’ Inspection Report that openly admonished any elected official who has the audacity to bring administrative decisions and recommendations into question. In the decisions made council’s sheer guile rightfully deserves the descriptor; “shameless”!
Murray Lambert, St. Albert
