Treatment plant for Goose Lake considered

By Jennifer DyckMorning Star Staff Jun 24 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

The possibility of a treatment plant is being considered to improve water at Goose Lake. Greater Vernon Services is working on such a possibility but would first like to discuss the matter with a developer who, according to Greater Vernon water manager Al Cotsworth, may be interested in sharing the cost. The original plan, which is still an option, was to separate the potable water and irrigation systems along the West Swan Lake corridor. But further investigation revealed that a treatment plant may better serve the users. “If you have a treatment plant in Goose Lake you can pump it all the way into north BX and at sometime you may need it there,” said Cliff Kanester, area B director.

That option would come at a significant cost of difference though. The separation would cost an estimated $7.5 million, while the treatment option would be 75 per cent more. “It’s a matter of whether we want to spend $6 million extra to get a treatment plant there,” said chairman Gary Corner. Therefore GVS commissioners agreed to meet with the developer, who is proposing a 1,000 unit development, as well as the Indian Band. “This is on their land and I know they have concerns about the development,” said Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert. “They could say no to the development and that could skew all of this.”