Distribution debate on tap

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 27, 2009 4:00 PM

Attempts continue to keep a contentious governance issue in Greater Vernon from boiling over. Politicians from Vernon, Coldstream, BX-Swan Lake and BX-Silver Star met Thursday to discuss issues surrounding the city possibly leaving the regional water distribution function. “There is definitely co-operation among the four partners,” said Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor and Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairman. Last spring, the city indicated it would withdraw from water distribution for a number of reasons including a lack of co-ordination on capital projects among jurisdictions and the belief that customers are confused over the governance structure. Thursday’s meeting came as a result of a session in late January in which politicians committed to try and work out the matter on their own instead of pursuing costly arbitration. While Lippert is optimistic about the current discussions, he says the city isn’t ready yet to abandon arbitration or the concept of leaving the function. “Council doesn’t want to stop the process because it’s been happening for some time,” he said. “But we’d be happy to have talks with the other participants to see if we can work out a solution that benefits everyone.” The next step is for Coldstream and Vernon councils to individually discuss the matter further. “I’m optimistic. There’s a sense that positions aren’t as hard as they were with the last councils,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. “It’s in everybody’s interest to review it and come up with a global win for everyone.”