Multimillion dollar wastewater recovery system a big economic win for surrounding communities

Dozens of politicians and nearby residents gathered at the Swan Lake RV Resort to celebrate the multi- million dollar funding announcement that will bring a brand new $36.9 million wastewater recovery system to the North Okanagan’s Swan Lake region.

The new system will protect Swan Lake’s water quality by reducing contaminants, and provide a big economic boost to the region by attracting businesses that were previously turned away.

“It was actually Vernon’s economic development officer that came to us and said that businesses want to be in the Swan Lake corridor and at this end of the township. Their conservative estimates were that they turned away about 40 to 50 businesses in over a 10-year period,” Spallumcheen Mayor Christine Fraser said.

Since the project was announced in late August, Fraser said the township has already heard of some interest from businesses.

“I’ve had at least 10 to 15 local businesses and businesses in the surrounding areas talking about wanting to expand, needing larger industrial lots,” Fraser said.

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Agriculture is also expected to reap the benefits as the new system will provide “a reliable and continuous supply of reclaimed water for irrigation.”

Approximately 66 per cent of the $36.9 million project was made possible through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure grant project.

“Money like this doesn’t normally come here. It goes to the Lower Mainland, it goes to the Central and South Okanagan but it often doesn’t come to the North Okanagan,” Electoral Area C Director Amanda Shatzko said.

According to a news release, the federal government contributed over $13 million for the project while the province contributed $11 million.