Thursday, August 12, 2010

Water Fight Avoids Court - Devolution Revolution

Kate Bouey 8/12/2010 107.5 SUNFM

The District of Coldstream has changed its stand on water devolution. Mayor Jim Garlick says the District was approached by provincial officials to find a way to break the stalemate over the fractious issue. Coldstream came up with a proposal and talks will now proceed with Vernon and Areas B and C, while a court case is put on hold. Mayor Jim Garlick says, "You get tired of beating your head against the wall so you decide, okay what's the second option in making things move ahead".

Coldstream is setting some tough conditions. Key -- is a plan to ensure that water for agriculture is separated from that for higher-quality domestic use. He says the distribution system should also be more flexible to allow Duteau Creek users to get Kal Lake water when necessary and vice-versa. An official says many complex issues will be on the table as all sides work towards breaking up the distribution system.

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