Directors meet for water talks

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 03, 2010 12:00 PM

Attempts to keep Greater Vernon’s water utility together are moving ahead. Representatives from Vernon, Coldstream and the two electoral areas will sit down Wednesday with facilitator Allan Neilson-Welch. “The facilitator will also meet individually with the participants and identify any concerns and try and find middle ground,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. “I don’t think we’re that far apart.” The City of Vernon has been trying to withdraw from water distribution but an arbitrator ruled that it can’t leave just part of the service. The options now before the city are withdrawing from the entire function, including supply, or remaining in it.

Macnabb is confident the service review led by Neilson-Welch will prove beneficial to all sides. “The reality is we have to keep things together,” he said, adding that considerable money and resources were dedicated towards unifying Greater Vernon’s water utilities and separation would be costly. “Everyone wants water coming out of their taps.” One hurdle, though, could be the city’s decision to appeal the arbitrator’s decision on withdrawing from water distribution. “It sends the message to the other participants that the city wants to push a direction counter to keeping the service together,” said Macnabb. Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor, defends the appeal, saying it keeps the city’s options open and doesn’t preclude meeting with Neilson-Welch and the other jurisdictions. “If we go through the service review and there is some form of agreement, we can stop the appeal,” he said. Lippert remains cautious about the facilitation process. “I hope something works out but this has been going on for years,” he said of the dispute.

Among the city’s concerns over water distribution have been customer accountability, customer service and co-ordination of infrastructure. It has also stated that leaving that portion of the service could also lead to lower water rates for Vernon residents. Lippert says he will be at Wednesday’s meeting and he hopes the other participants are open to meaningful dialogue. “As long as people are talking and not doing the political thing, there is an opportunity to resolve this,” he said.