Utility considers water extension

by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 23, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Possibly providing water to some Greater Vernon neighbourhoods is being scrutinized. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has directed staff to report on how properties wishing to connect to Greater Vernon Water could pay capital costs over a certain period of time at a reasonable rate. Director Rob Sawatzky says the utility has a mandate to provide water within its boundary. “There are properties that would like to join, and there could be five or six more,” he said. “They want to join the service and they have a right to join it.” Many of the properties that are within GVW but do not use GVW either are on wells or have private utilities. In some cases, the systems are failing or need costly upgrades. Sawatzky’s goal is to extend water to these areas but not at the expense of existing GVW customers. Sawatzky originally pushed for a staff report within 30 days. “If you don’t have water, it’s very time sensitive and there are properties that have wanted water for three years,” he said. “We also had this discussion in September.” Other GVAC members didn’t support the 30-day timeline. “I don’t want to take staff away from what they’re currently doing,” said director Mike Macnabb of the 2014 budget and water rates. Ultimately, it was decided to have a staff report within 60 days.