COLDSTREAM – It has been over two months since North Okanagan voters rejected the idea of borrowing up to $70 million for upgrades to the Greater Vernon Water system. Those proposed upgrades were part of a Master Water Plan that is now under fire.
READ MORE: Borrowing referendum stirs up controversy
“There was an error created some years ago when the Duteau Creek system was called upon to supply domestic water to this region,” says Terry Mooney, chair of Citizens for Change to the Master Water Plan (CCMWP).
CCMWP is arguing Duteau Creek is expensive and unsustainable as a domestic water source. They believe the utility should be less reliant on it, sourcing domestic water mainly from Kalamalka and Okanagan Lakes instead.
“One of the members of the council referred to this as fantasy. Well, is it fantasy when you are using a system that requires high levels of filtration? It is uncertain as to the water tables. It is uncertain as to how much water supply they can deliver,” says Mooney.
The regional district has previously said that Kalamalka doesn’t have the capacity to provide all the needed water, and that Okanagan is the most expensive option.
Thursday the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC) approved in principle a budget for the utility and are moving forward with a two per cent water rate increase. According to a staff report, the two per cent will increase cash reserves and provide flexibility as decisions are made about the review of the Water Master Plan.
The CCMWP doesn’t want to see further money sunk into the existing Master Water Plan until they have a chance to talk to politicians about their alternative proposal.
According to GVAC chair Juliette Cunningham, the budget increase is needed no matter what happens with the Master Water Plan.
Cunningham also pointed out there will be a chance for public input on the future of the Master Water Plan.
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