Support is surfacing for the region to use taxation to upgrade the water system, rather than user fees. Coldstream is recommending that the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee consider taxation to pay for master water plan projects. “With a lot of new members (at GVAC) it’s an
opportunity for everybody to become educated on why it would work and
wouldn’t work,” said Mayor Jim Garlick.
-----------------
Agricultural water restrictions
Concerns are coming down the pipeline over water restrictions on tap for 2012. Customers will be receiving a mock bill to
introduce new agricultural water rates that will be applied to any use
over a customer’s allocation. If users exceed their allocation
enforcement will ensue, which may include early turn-off of your
irrigation water supply plus over-allocation fees. “The tone of this letter is quite alarming,” said
Coldstream Coun. Maria Besso, who is concerned about agricultural land
owner rights. “We’re going to probably be hearing from the
public on this,” said Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick. “If the original
allocation did not cover their entire property they might not have as
much water as they thought.” There are concerns that some residents may not
actually have sufficient water allocations, and will therefore be over
watering and be subject to the penalties. Coldstream is asking the Greater Vernon Advisory
Committee to notify the area jurisdictions of which properties are
affected by the restrictions.
No comments:
Post a Comment