Water plan draws criticism

by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 18, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Doubts continue to surface over Greater Vernon’s master water plan, especially in advance of November’s $70 million borrowing referendum. The fact that no peer review will be conducted has some local politicians questioning the success of the referendum. “By not having the peer review you jeopardize the referendum,” said Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick. “I don’t know if the electorate is going to pass this one and if it comes back it will really be looked at.” The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee recently decided a peer review of the plan wasn’t necessary. Vice-chairperson Gyula Kiss, who is a Coldstream councillor, had pushed for a peer review and had the support of his council. “I’ve worked hundreds of hours on this,” said Kiss, who has extensively studied the region’s water plans and fee structures. “I thought it should actually be staff that recommend a peer review.” Coun. Richard Enns also isn’t impressed that the plan isn’t getting a second look. “Peer reviews are mandatory in the province of Ontario,” said Enns, who was informed of such after his father-in-law read The Morning Star article stating that no review would be undertaken. The visiting relative, who works in the field, told Enns that due to the high cost of such plans, Ontario doesn’t want any mistakes. A major issue with the plan is the $26.5 million needed for filtration at the Duteau Creek treatment plant. “Duteau only treats 20 per cent of the domestic drinking water, 80 per cent goes onto the fields,” said Coun. Maria Besso, who would also like to see more discussion at GVAC. “I feel we’re doing a disservice to the electorate.” Even though the Interior Health Authority is trying to force Greater Vernon to put in filtration at Duteau right now, things could change said Garlick. Other regions are facing similar regulations and pushing back, therefore he says the IHA is looking at outcomes differently. And that is why he doesn’t believe any sudden water changes should be made. “We should be proceeding with caution here,” said Garlick. “I don’t think we need to rush into anything at this time.”
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Don Quixote Note: The recommendation that a Peer Review NOT be undertaken did pass by a 6-2 (1 GVAC member from Coldstream & 1 GVAC member from Vernon voted in the negative) vote at the GVAC.

 This recommendation went to the RDNO Board where the 7 members could make the actual decision  on Wednesday April 16th.  There are 4 directors from Vernon and 1 each from Coldstream & Areas B & C.  It will be interesting to see if the official vote changed at RDNO.
4. Peer Review of the Master Water Plan   (p.2 of Agenda)
 RECOMMENDATION 6
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B” and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, a Peer Review of
the 2012 Greater Vernon Water Master Water Plan not be undertaken.