Glass being filled (photo / Vernon Matters)

By Kevin Rothwell

Another big year for infrastructure

Greater Vernon Water looks at freezing water rates

Jan 14, 2021 | 5:45 AM

The 2021 Greater Vernon Water budget, calling for a 2.7 per cent overall increase, has been adopted by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC), but that could change if a hold is put on water rate hikes.

The total operating and capital budget is just shy of $40 million dollars.

There are 17 major capital projects on the books valued at over $22 million for this year including $5.6 million for the Headgates Dam reconstruction, $3.4 million for the under construction North Swan Lake Reservoir and $2.8 million for new water lines along Highway 6 from School Road to Learmouth Road.

Capital and operating reserves are at just over $35 million, but staff warned against dipping into those funds.

“There are some significant plans for the reserves coming up in the next few years,” Zee Marcolin General Manager of Utilities.

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Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming had suggested using reserves to mitigate the recently approved water rate hike to help those using the least amount of water.

While a new five year water rate structure was previously approved calling for a 1.9 per cent increase for residential users and a 2.4 per cent increase for agriculture users in 2021, staff have been asked to review the potential impact of zero per cent.

On the operational side, a few new technology items will bring some efficiencies in operation .

• A microscope camera that will help staff get quicker identification and response to algae blooms.
• Accreditation of an RDNO lab, to move water testing in house to reduce costs and improved turn around time.
• A Daupler emergency response and communications tool.
• A leak detection tool, which will make it easier and quicker to diagnose a water main leak.
• The continuation of a lead sampling program after traces were found in the GVW system.

RDNO directors must give their final approval to the GVW budget at their next board meeting Jan 20.