Greater Vernon is hoping to tap into infrastructure funding despite a poor track record. The Greater Vernon Services Commission hopes to get a cut of the $150 million federal-provincial infrastructure program, which was launched Thursday. The money would go towards the Duteau
Creek clarification project."I'm extremely optimistic because they can't ignore us any longer," said director Barry Beardsell. Except for $4 million for the Mission Hill reservoir, GVSC has essentially been shut out when it comes to government grants. That means the $40 million in water upgrades have largely fallen on the back of taxpayers.It's long been believed by GVSC that it's not received funding because of pre-planning while other communities have let their systems deteriorate to the point of becoming emergencies. "The problem child gets all the attention," said Al Cotsworth, water utility manager. The price tag for the Duteau Creek clarification project is $19 million, and the goal is to address turbidity and colour concerns within the water source. It hasn't been determined how much money GVSC will seek from senior government but it won't be two-thirds of the $19 million. "We have a higher chance of being successful if we apply for smaller chunks (of the project)," said Cotsworth. Cotsworth says discussions with government officials have been positive. "I'm sure we'll see something," he said of financial support. As part of the infrastructure program, the federal and provincial governments will each provide $51 million to projects in B.C. while participating municipalities will match that amount. A minimum of 80 per cent of funding will target communities with a population of less than 250,000 and at least 60 per cent of the money will go towards water supply, sewer systems and public transit.
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