Directors looking to lower rate hike

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: January 15, 2011 12:00 PM
Water rates will still rise in Greater Vernon, but the worst-case scenario has evaporated.  It was originally expected rates could climb between 23.6 and 103 per cent based on consumption, but the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has instructed staff to focus on a low rate hike for everyone.  “Even with what staff has identified as must-have projects, we have to determine if they are must-have,” said chairperson Wayne Lippert.  “Everyone is very cognizant of the economic times and the impact on people.” Final figures for the base rate and the consumption rate have not been determined yet, and GVAC directors will tackle the issue during a meeting Wednesday.  Some committee members are still concerned utility customers will be hit hard no matter the final rate.  “I’m not sure what the outcome will be and I want to make sure we don’t hurt the people who can least afford it,” said director Gyula Kiss. The Interior Health Authority has indicated that it wants filtration on water sources by 2015, but director Jack Gilroy says those plans may have to be abandoned.  “They (IHA) haven’t ordered us to do it,” he said, adding that he questions the need for filtration.  “They are the ones changing the thresholds on us and the water appears to be fine.”  Filtration would be needed on the Duteau Creek and Kalamalka Lake sources, and it’s been estimated the cost is $20 million for just Duteau.  “They can push all they want, but we only have so much money,” said Gilroy.  Director Jim Garlick believes there is a need to review the master water plan and determine if the schedule of projects is still relevant. “We need to reassess what we need to do and we may need to go back to the electorate for more money or wait for the province ordering us through IHA (to do upgrades),” he said.