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Left to right: Bob Fleming, Harwinder Sandhu, Anne Kang, Joe Cramer and Kevin Acton, announcing the funding for two local wastewater infrastructure projects Thursday, June 29 (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)
By Pete McIntyre
wastewater projects

Armstrong gets $14.5M from province, RDNO $9.5M

Jun 29, 2023 | 10:10 AM

The B.C. government is providing millions of dollars to upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Armstrong and part of Greater Vernon.

“Our province is growing, we know that and we see that and we hear that from our local governments, and we know that investments in infrastructure are needed to create a successful, vibrant and healthier environment for everyone,” Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced in Armstrong Thursday, June 29.

“That’s why today we are investing a total investment of $24 million for the City of Armstrong and the Regional District of North Okanagan to support two infrastructure projects.”

Of those funds, $14.5 million will go to the City of Armstrong to upgrade its wastewater infrastructure to meet regulatory compliance and integrate it with the North Okanagan wastewater system.

“Ensuring our wastewater system meets regulatory and environmental requirements, and the needs of our growing community now and in the future, is a priority of our council,” Armstrong Mayor Joe Cramer said.

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“The province took the time to listen to our concerns and has ensured that together, we will be striving to implement the improvements to ensure the regional wastewater recovery program is delivered.”

The remaining $9.5 million will go to the RDNO to expand community sewer services to non-Agriculture Land Reserve properties in the Swan Lake area where septic systems are currently used through a new wastewater treatment facility.

RDNO Area B Director, Bob Fleming, said septic systems can be very expensive to maintain, and the new system would not only benefit the property owners there currently but those building residences or commercial buildings in the future.

The RDNO project is in partnership with the Okanagan Indian Band and the Township of Spallumcheen, but Fleming noted Armstrong could be brought in on it once their system is upgraded and integrated.

Fleming added this project could also benefit agriculture as the treated water could be used for irrigation of “hundreds of acres” in the area.

Cramer did not provide a timeline for the work to upgrade the wastewater system in Armstrong, but Fleming stated they expected the documents for going to tender to be ready in July and for shovels to be in the ground as early as this fall.

The local leaders also did not indicate how much the respective governments would be spending on these projects.

RDNO Chair Kevin Acton added they are very grateful to receive these funds and use them to invest in infrastructure that will support growth in the region.

by Pete McIntyre
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