By Tom Mark

Spall Waiting For ALC Decision

Jul 11, 2018 | 3:00 PM

The District of Spallumcheen hopes to hear in September if the Agricultural Land Commission will approve the release of more than 44 hectares of land from the ALR.

Mayor Janice Brown says acquisition of the property would facilitate development of a water system in the southwest sector.

Greater Vernon Water refused to extend its system for the industrial park.

“It’s kind of like a wheel going around because everything, first it was, we needed Greater Vernon Water to get going so that we could get a few places in there to get it started and then when that came to a halt after a year and a half of negotiating.”

Brown couldn’t say what fell apart, but suspects in the long run, Greater Vernon Water wanted to ensure it has enough supply for growth in Vernon.

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Brown says If the ALR brings the land out, the district could borrow money or apply for grants to put a water system in.

It doesn’t, she doesn’t know what would happen next.

In the meantime, the District is looking for water.

“As we speak, we’re digging a well and we have always been in the planning process of digging wells and finding out, but you don’t know how much water you need if you don”t know how much land you need- have.”

She says the current waste water plan could supply some water for fire flow, but a full system
is required for the overall plan.

Brown adds the District is talking with people in the area abut other wells and creeks in the area on how or if they could be used.

by Tom Mark