Sewer Project Put To Residents

Jan 14, 2019 | 12:44 PM

Property owners in Area B and C of the Regional District of North Okanagan will be receiving petition packages in the mail this week for the Wastewater Recovery Project.

The proposed 36.9 million dollar sewer system will have numerous benefits, according to a news release issued by Alliance Communications on behalf of RDNO Monday.

“The project would provide residences and businesses with a safe and sustainable sewer system and treatment facility to protect Swan Lake water quality, provide reclaimed water for agriculture, enhance recreational opportunities, and support economic development for serviced portions of Areas B and C, the Township of Spallumcheen’s south-east industrial area, and Okanagan Indian Band lands within the proposed service area,” says the news release.

The petition will decide if Area B and C residents support borrowing 5.2 million million dollars to fund their 14 percent share of the costs.

“The project will proceed only with senior government grant funding that could cover more than 80 percent of the $36.9 million project,” says the release. “This includes federal and provincial grants of $24.3 million, an Okanagan Basin Water Board Sewerage Facilities Assistance Grant of $5.9 million, and $1.5 million from Township of Spallumcheen reserves, in addition to approval from Area B and C property owners for their share equal to $5.2 million.”

Water Shut Off Response

Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage

9h ago

42-Unit Project

Fees waived for new supportive housing project in Vernon

9h ago

Investigation underway

One person deceased after fire at North Okanagan farm

13h ago

An open house to find out more about the project will be held Tuesday, Jan. 22nd at the Vernon Christian School from 4 to 8 pm.

To succeed, the petition must be signed by the owners of at least 50 percent of the parcels liable to be charged for the proposed service. In addition, people signing must be the owners of parcels that, in total, represent at least 50 percent of the net taxable value of all land and improvements within the proposed service area.

Property owners who support the borrowing must sign their petitions and return them to the RDNO by March 15th, 2019.

Property owners who oppose borrowing should return the petition unsigned.

Petitions, both signed and unsigned can also be dropped off at the Open House on January 22nd.

Areas B and C Directors Bob Fleming and Amanda Shatzko believe there are numerous benefits for residential property owners, including the prevention of costly septic system malfunctions that could further impact water quality and cost property owners tens of thousands of dollars.“As we heard loud and clear at the Swan Lake Commercial Area & Neighbourhood Plan open houses, area residents are interested in the opportunities a community sewer system would bring,” says Fleming. “Future zoning amendments could permit secondary suites and carriage homes on properties serviced by sewer. With sewer, there could also be opportunities to subdivide larger lots in non-ALR areas.”

Shatzko adds that, “With community sewer, commercial and industrial property owners would also have growth and subdivision opportunities. And those businesses now pumping and hauling liquid waste would have a reliable, affordable, and more convenient alternative.”

by Corey Fischer