Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 Beach Radio Vernon Duane Grandbois April 22, 2018 07:17 am
The Regional District of North Okanagan wishes to inform customers of Greater Vernon Water (GVW) that the Kalamalka Lake water source was turned off on Saturday due to increased turbidity in the water. The decision to remove the Kalamalka Lake water source was based on increased turbidity due to spring run-off caused by snow melt in the Coldstream Creek watershed. Water will be supplied from the Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant (DCWTP) until turbidity decreases in Kalamalka Lake. Customers who are not normally on the DCWTP will notice that the water is much softer and the water has a low alkalinity and pH. This may be of interest to those customers who have in-home water treatment systems or aquariums.Staff will continue to monitor water quality, notify customers of any further changes and when the Kalamalka Lake water source is turned back on.
Showing posts with label Water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Water. Show all posts
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Friday, April 20, 2018
RDNO Firm On Not Releasing Water From Reservoirs For Now
Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 Beach Radio Vernon Tom Mark April 20, 2018 06:37 am
Lumby is finally getting a letter from the RDNO on its request to release excess water from the Aberdeen reservoirs to prevent flooding in the village. The District has already said it can’t and that hasn’t changed. “Our Aberdeen reservoirs are at a dangerously low level and we’re disinclined to release any water right now, although there’s a good snow pack and we do hope that they fill there have been years when we’ve had a high snow pack and they fail to fill.” That can result in water restrictions for Greater Water customers in the summer. Fleming says the District understands Lumby’s concern but the reservoirs are being watched. “Our system is managed as a water supply system. That is a flood control system. As a matter of fact, there are benefits to Lumby right now from having the controls in place.” He says the District is willing to work with Lumby on plans and investigations into what effect, if any, the reservoirs are having on flooding issues in the village.
Lumby is finally getting a letter from the RDNO on its request to release excess water from the Aberdeen reservoirs to prevent flooding in the village. The District has already said it can’t and that hasn’t changed. “Our Aberdeen reservoirs are at a dangerously low level and we’re disinclined to release any water right now, although there’s a good snow pack and we do hope that they fill there have been years when we’ve had a high snow pack and they fail to fill.” That can result in water restrictions for Greater Water customers in the summer. Fleming says the District understands Lumby’s concern but the reservoirs are being watched. “Our system is managed as a water supply system. That is a flood control system. As a matter of fact, there are benefits to Lumby right now from having the controls in place.” He says the District is willing to work with Lumby on plans and investigations into what effect, if any, the reservoirs are having on flooding issues in the village.
Saturday, April 07, 2018
Water Rates Bylaw for 2018-2020
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF NORTH OKANAGAN
BYLAW No. 2768
A bylaw to impose rates for the Greater Vernon Water Service
Excerpts:
Supportive Housing means properties classified by the Province of British Columbia as Class 3 for property taxation purposes as determined by B.C. Assessment. For the purposes of the application of this bylaw, these properties will be considered as a single Non-Domestic unit.
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Interactive Water Rates calculator for residential user: April 1 (2018) Just type in quarterly consumption.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nnItofUqHBkL8mKea_eEcAq-nK3LBa7EVSFqANPjmzw/edit#gid=0
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Interactive Water Rates calculator for residential user: Jan 1 (2019) Just type in quarterly consumption.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lx3qhNoCJv7DWBeppimTaqfQg4nsZzc3PRWUY71FFQ/edit#gid=0
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Interactive Water Rates calculator for residential user: Jan 1 (2020) Just type in quarterly consumption.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ryXTidYa0fglnPDnS1OWgmfdmK0uyfjfnVtZYd_Jszg/edit#gid=0
BYLAW No. 2768
A bylaw to impose rates for the Greater Vernon Water Service
Excerpts:
Supportive Housing means properties classified by the Province of British Columbia as Class 3 for property taxation purposes as determined by B.C. Assessment. For the purposes of the application of this bylaw, these properties will be considered as a single Non-Domestic unit.
=============
Interactive Water Rates calculator for residential user: April 1 (2018) Just type in quarterly consumption.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nnItofUqHBkL8mKea_eEcAq-nK3LBa7EVSFqANPjmzw/edit#gid=0
==============
Interactive Water Rates calculator for residential user: Jan 1 (2019) Just type in quarterly consumption.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lx3qhNoCJv7DWBeppimTaqfQg4nsZzc3PRWUY71FFQ/edit#gid=0
==============
Interactive Water Rates calculator for residential user: Jan 1 (2020) Just type in quarterly consumption.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ryXTidYa0fglnPDnS1OWgmfdmK0uyfjfnVtZYd_Jszg/edit#gid=0
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Directors recommend water rates bylaw
ROGER KNOX Mar. 10, 2018 6:30 a.m.LOCAL NEWS MORNING STAR
Final approval is still needed by the Regional District of North Okanagan, but a hike in water rates is on tap. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee directors are recommending adopting the Greater Vernon Water Rates Imposition bylaw. Directors voted to recommend adopting a bylaw that would see implementation of three-year rates for 2018-2020. The rates would be effective April 1 this year, and Jan. 1 for 2019 and 2020. A one per cent increase over inflation in the metered consumption rate and infrastructure base would be included for all three years, resulting in a 2.9 per cent hike. There would be a 3.7 per cent increase in 2018 and 2019 for agriculture and a 2.9 per cent hike in 2020.
The master water plan, endorsed by the RDNO board in November, and accepted by Interior Health in January, sets a long-term goal of 20 years of an annual average life cycle investment of $9 million to $13.5 million per year to ensure sustainibility of the Greater Vernon Water Utility. A financial implementation strategy recommends a short-term goal of a five per cent rate increase phased in over five years over and above inflation. “What staff have done makes sense,” said Area C director Mike Macnabb. “It’s secure. It’s a signal to customers of what we’re going to do over time. Agriculture agreed to the increase. We’ve had these discussions. We have a utility to run and that shouldn’t be predicated on found money (government grants).” Coldstream directors Jim Garlick and Doug Dirk and Vernon director Bob Spiers were opposed. “This is about lobbying and moving into the future, not dismantling the master water plan,” said Dirk of Thursday’s debate.Added Garlick: “I’m not dismantling the master water plan. It’s how are we going to pay for it. One hundred per cent of users get water from Greater Vernon. We have a large stake in this.”
Friday, March 09, 2018
One Final Debate On Water Rates
Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 Beach Radio Vernon Pete McIntyre March 08, 2018 05:26 pm
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has given final approval to this year’s water rates.Most customers will see 2.9 percent hikes, while agriculture rates will rise 3.7 percent. Director Bob Spiers felt the increase was higher than it needed to be.“We’re putting an extra million bucks into reserves. That means the water rates have been increased unduly,” Spiers told CJIB News. Director Jim Garlick said most water customers don’t agree with using one percent of the increase for the master water plan, and he feels more emphasis should be put on getting senior government grants before MWP projects proceed. “Moving forward, we’d be foolish to fund master water plan projects on rate increases. We need to have a plan in place to get more grants,” said Garlick. Part of the master plan calls for securing at least two-thirds funding from senior governments before proceeding. Supporters of the increase say building-up reserves reduces the uncertainty of water-use fluctuations from year to year. “When you look at the water rates, you never know how much water you are going to use, and there’s a balance there. You have to maintain the infrastructure, but putting money away for the future master water plan, it’s not a bad thing,” says GVAC director Akbal Mund. The rates are scheduled to go up a similar amount for the next two years.
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Water Calculators for 2018 to 2020 at:
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has given final approval to this year’s water rates.Most customers will see 2.9 percent hikes, while agriculture rates will rise 3.7 percent. Director Bob Spiers felt the increase was higher than it needed to be.“We’re putting an extra million bucks into reserves. That means the water rates have been increased unduly,” Spiers told CJIB News. Director Jim Garlick said most water customers don’t agree with using one percent of the increase for the master water plan, and he feels more emphasis should be put on getting senior government grants before MWP projects proceed. “Moving forward, we’d be foolish to fund master water plan projects on rate increases. We need to have a plan in place to get more grants,” said Garlick. Part of the master plan calls for securing at least two-thirds funding from senior governments before proceeding. Supporters of the increase say building-up reserves reduces the uncertainty of water-use fluctuations from year to year. “When you look at the water rates, you never know how much water you are going to use, and there’s a balance there. You have to maintain the infrastructure, but putting money away for the future master water plan, it’s not a bad thing,” says GVAC director Akbal Mund. The rates are scheduled to go up a similar amount for the next two years.
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- This was a rate decision for the Calendar years 2018, 2019, and 2020.
- Each year for next 3 years will see a 2.9% increase for all domestic customers. Rates will change from being implemented April 1, 2018 to be effective Jan 1, 2019 and Jan 1, 2019.
- Ag Rates will increase by 3.7% for 2018 1nd 2019 and then revert to a 2.9% increase on Jan 1, 2020.
- The Water budget indicates $998,000 will be transferred into reserves in 2018.
- Water Rates Vote at GVAC was 5 to 3. Will have to be ratified at RDNO at next meeting.
- WATER RATES CAN BE FOUND AT P.24-26
Water Calculators for 2018 to 2020 at:
- 2018 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nnItofUqHBkL8mKea_eEcAq-nK3LBa7EVSFqANPjmzw/edit#gid=0
- 2019 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lx3qhNoCJv7DWBeppimTaqfQg4nsZzc3PRWUY71FFQ/edit#gid=0
- 2020 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ryXTidYa0fglnPDnS1OWgmfdmK0uyfjfnVtZYd_Jszg/edit#gid=0
WATER POLL AT 1075 BEACH Radio: Final Results
Do you agree with G-VAC raising water rates by an extra one percent to build-up reserves for future water needs?
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
No Extra Water Release From RDNO Reservoirs
Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 Beach Radio Vernon Pete McIntyre February 28, 2018 07:40 am
The Regional District of North Okanagan won’t be making any changes to how much water is released from its reservoirs in the Aberdeen Plateau. The village of Lumby has requested early releases, to prevent possible flooding in the spring, given the above normal snow pack. RDNO’s chief administrative officer David Sewell says flood control isn’t what the reservoirs are for.“There is release of water going on right now which is preventing some of the buildup in the reservoirs. But the reservoirs, their design and location are intended for water supply, not flood control. The build of those reservoirs is to capture water for supply for when there isn’t rains and there isn’t water elsewhere available.” ewell says the storage facilities are too small to be used for that purpose, and they have to ensure an adequate water supply for Greater Vernon. ” We presented the opportunity for the Village of Lumby to add height to our Abderdeen Dam to increase some flood control capabilities, but that’s not something that’s been taken up right now. I think they’re working in other areas.” Sewell says they are considering snow pack levels in how much they are releasing, but says even if they were to release more, it wouldn’t be a guarantee against flooding in Lumby.
The Regional District of North Okanagan won’t be making any changes to how much water is released from its reservoirs in the Aberdeen Plateau. The village of Lumby has requested early releases, to prevent possible flooding in the spring, given the above normal snow pack. RDNO’s chief administrative officer David Sewell says flood control isn’t what the reservoirs are for.“There is release of water going on right now which is preventing some of the buildup in the reservoirs. But the reservoirs, their design and location are intended for water supply, not flood control. The build of those reservoirs is to capture water for supply for when there isn’t rains and there isn’t water elsewhere available.” ewell says the storage facilities are too small to be used for that purpose, and they have to ensure an adequate water supply for Greater Vernon. ” We presented the opportunity for the Village of Lumby to add height to our Abderdeen Dam to increase some flood control capabilities, but that’s not something that’s been taken up right now. I think they’re working in other areas.” Sewell says they are considering snow pack levels in how much they are releasing, but says even if they were to release more, it wouldn’t be a guarantee against flooding in Lumby.
Tuesday, February 06, 2018
Greater Vernon water rate increase set at 2.9%
BARRY GERDINGFeb. 5, 2018 5:30 p.m. COMMUNITYNEWS Morning Star
https://rdno.civicweb.net/document/86925
Greater Vernon Advisory Committee signs off on increase
Water is going to become a more expensive commodity within the Regional District of North Okanagan this year. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has signed off on rates increases of 2.9 per cent for residential and commercial users, and 3.7 per cent for agricultural use rates.Stephen Banmen, general manager, finance for the regional district, said the 2.9 per cent figure is based on a 1.9 per cent inflation increase combined with the demands of increased operating costs and building up reserves for future capital projects. The agricultural rate increase was consistent with a 2017 decision to increase agricultural rates 3.7 per cent for three years to match better match revenue form agricultural properties to the most of supply. With approval from the committee, the rate structure is now forwarded to the Regional District of North Okanagan board for final approval.
GVAC director Bob Spiers, a Vernon city councillor, questioned at Monday’s committee budget meeting why the increase had to go beyond the rate of inflation, asking why the additional one per cent can’t be returned to water users as savings. GVAC chair Juliette Cunningham responded that the Greater Vernon water master plan, which was approved by Interior Health last week, made commitments to water quality and supply that require financial long-term planning.
Advisory committee director Jim Garlick, mayor of Coldstream, noted that building up reserves for future capital projects is necessary, but he would like to see a schedule of future capital projects earmarked for those funds. “It doesn’t make sense to me to build up huge reserves without any plan has to how that will be spent,” he cautioned.
The operating budget for the Greater Vernon Water Utility in 2018 will be 17.1 million, up from $15.8 million in 2017. Capital expenditures this year will total $19,936,317, up from $18,500,000 last year. The budget projected revenue for $22,163,324 is divided up between operations (56 per cent), capital plan (23 per cent), debt payments (13 per cent) and transfer to reserves (eight per cent). Close to 95 per cent of that revenue is generated from infrastructure base fees, meter consumption revenue, agricultural rates and meter replacement fees. Banmen said the policy directive is for a 50/50 split between fixed and variable water fees, which for 2018 is targeted at 52.5 per cent infrastructure base fee and 47.5 per cent metered consumption fee. He said the rate restructure of 2017 moved closer to that 50/50 split objective. “The split is highly dependent upon wet/dry years because the total revenue received from metered consumption is weather dependent,” he said. “The first and fourth quarters of a give year are pretty consistent for metered users. The variability shows up in the second and third quarters. If 2018 is a dry year, the splits will be closer to the policy directive than the proposed budget. If 2018 is a wet year the splits will fall further from the policy directive.”
Among the capital projects planned for this year include:
* Flood protection for Kalamalka Lake pump house, $50,000
* BX Intake decommissioning, $410,000
* Von Kyserlink Pump Station upgrades, $200,000
* Predesign/environment impact studies on raising Aberdeen Dam, $250,000
* Water pipe replacement on 28 Ave. from 30 to 32 St. in Vernon, $330,000
* Blackcomb Way to Rugg Road and PRV Main extension, $350,000
______________________
Don Quixote Note:
https://rdno.civicweb.net/document/86925
Greater Vernon Advisory Committee signs off on increase
Water is going to become a more expensive commodity within the Regional District of North Okanagan this year. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has signed off on rates increases of 2.9 per cent for residential and commercial users, and 3.7 per cent for agricultural use rates.Stephen Banmen, general manager, finance for the regional district, said the 2.9 per cent figure is based on a 1.9 per cent inflation increase combined with the demands of increased operating costs and building up reserves for future capital projects. The agricultural rate increase was consistent with a 2017 decision to increase agricultural rates 3.7 per cent for three years to match better match revenue form agricultural properties to the most of supply. With approval from the committee, the rate structure is now forwarded to the Regional District of North Okanagan board for final approval.
GVAC director Bob Spiers, a Vernon city councillor, questioned at Monday’s committee budget meeting why the increase had to go beyond the rate of inflation, asking why the additional one per cent can’t be returned to water users as savings. GVAC chair Juliette Cunningham responded that the Greater Vernon water master plan, which was approved by Interior Health last week, made commitments to water quality and supply that require financial long-term planning.
Advisory committee director Jim Garlick, mayor of Coldstream, noted that building up reserves for future capital projects is necessary, but he would like to see a schedule of future capital projects earmarked for those funds. “It doesn’t make sense to me to build up huge reserves without any plan has to how that will be spent,” he cautioned.
The operating budget for the Greater Vernon Water Utility in 2018 will be 17.1 million, up from $15.8 million in 2017. Capital expenditures this year will total $19,936,317, up from $18,500,000 last year. The budget projected revenue for $22,163,324 is divided up between operations (56 per cent), capital plan (23 per cent), debt payments (13 per cent) and transfer to reserves (eight per cent). Close to 95 per cent of that revenue is generated from infrastructure base fees, meter consumption revenue, agricultural rates and meter replacement fees. Banmen said the policy directive is for a 50/50 split between fixed and variable water fees, which for 2018 is targeted at 52.5 per cent infrastructure base fee and 47.5 per cent metered consumption fee. He said the rate restructure of 2017 moved closer to that 50/50 split objective. “The split is highly dependent upon wet/dry years because the total revenue received from metered consumption is weather dependent,” he said. “The first and fourth quarters of a give year are pretty consistent for metered users. The variability shows up in the second and third quarters. If 2018 is a dry year, the splits will be closer to the policy directive than the proposed budget. If 2018 is a wet year the splits will fall further from the policy directive.”
Among the capital projects planned for this year include:
* Flood protection for Kalamalka Lake pump house, $50,000
* BX Intake decommissioning, $410,000
* Von Kyserlink Pump Station upgrades, $200,000
* Predesign/environment impact studies on raising Aberdeen Dam, $250,000
* Water pipe replacement on 28 Ave. from 30 to 32 St. in Vernon, $330,000
* Blackcomb Way to Rugg Road and PRV Main extension, $350,000
______________________
Don Quixote Note:
- The actual rates approval will be set at a rates meeting and then forwarded to RDNO Board for approval. The budget was approved (6-1) NOT the actual rates.
- I actually acknowledged that the 1% that was agreed to last year as part of an annual 1% increase for a 5 year period was correct. I did object to a 1.9% CPI increase that was well covered by the increase in our base rate customer revenue and the $600,000 that will be transferred into a rate stabilization reserve. (excess base fee and consumption revenue over 2017 budget) I therefore voted against the budget and will argue for a smaller increase at the Rates meeting.
- Building up reserves for future capital projects that are life cycle type projects are correct but the reserve level should have a yearly cap. Using customer rates to built up a reserve for major projects such as Mission Hill Filtration in 2023 is not part of the reserve buildup I was assured at the meeting.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Interior Health accepts the Greater Vernon Water 2017 Master Water Plan
Posted Tuesday, January 30, 2018
As a result of hard work by Regional District elected officials, staff, and members of the Greater Vernon Master Water Plan Stakeholder Advisory Committee, the Regional District has received notice from Interior Health that the Greater Vernon Water (GVW) 2017 Master Water Plan (MWP) has been accepted.
The MWP provides a detailed assessment of the current status of the GVW system, and provides direction to ensure compliance with provincial standards to safeguard health and to meet future water needs based on predicted growth for the next 40 years.
The MWP was prepared in partnership between the Regional District, City of Vernon, and the District of Coldstream. It incorporates the technical work completed in 2012 with updates to the long term supply and treatment strategy based on recommendations from the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (2015-2016), results of recent studies, provincial policy changes, and other relevant information. Work in 2017 focused on updating the financing strategy to support infrastructure renewal as well as upgrades to the water system, recognizing the need to balance the needs of current customers with the long term costs of maintaining a safe water supply. It is a more affordable plan that will meet provincial standards and ensure the utility is sustainable into the future.
The Regional District would like to thank the members of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for providing their time, effort and valuable assistance to enable the Regional District to complete the review and move forward with the 2017 MWP.
For more information, please visit the RDNO website at http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/services/engineering/water/greater-vernon-water/master-water-plan or contact our office at 250-550-3700.
As a result of hard work by Regional District elected officials, staff, and members of the Greater Vernon Master Water Plan Stakeholder Advisory Committee, the Regional District has received notice from Interior Health that the Greater Vernon Water (GVW) 2017 Master Water Plan (MWP) has been accepted.
The MWP provides a detailed assessment of the current status of the GVW system, and provides direction to ensure compliance with provincial standards to safeguard health and to meet future water needs based on predicted growth for the next 40 years.
The MWP was prepared in partnership between the Regional District, City of Vernon, and the District of Coldstream. It incorporates the technical work completed in 2012 with updates to the long term supply and treatment strategy based on recommendations from the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (2015-2016), results of recent studies, provincial policy changes, and other relevant information. Work in 2017 focused on updating the financing strategy to support infrastructure renewal as well as upgrades to the water system, recognizing the need to balance the needs of current customers with the long term costs of maintaining a safe water supply. It is a more affordable plan that will meet provincial standards and ensure the utility is sustainable into the future.
The Regional District would like to thank the members of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for providing their time, effort and valuable assistance to enable the Regional District to complete the review and move forward with the 2017 MWP.
For more information, please visit the RDNO website at http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/services/engineering/water/greater-vernon-water/master-water-plan or contact our office at 250-550-3700.
Saturday, July 22, 2017
DCC Amending Bylaws on GVAC Agenda Thursday Oct. 6, 2016
http://www.rdno.ca/bylaws/BL_2279_C.pdf
http://www.rdno.ca/bylaws/BL_1983_C.pdf
In October of 2016 amendments to the DCC bylaw for Parks and Water were approved and sent to the Provinces Inspector for approval.
Finally at the last RDNO meeting of July 19 they were unanimously approved and are now in effect.
(a) Pursuant to section 563(1 )(a) of the Local Government Act, Development Cost Charges for not-for-profit rental housing as defined in this bylaw are waived in their entirety.
(b) No Development Cost Charges shall be required to be paid where the building permit authorizes the construction, alteration or extension of a building or part of a building that will, after the construction, alteration or extension:
(i) Contain fewer than two (2) residential dwelling units; and
(ii) Be put to no use other than the residential use in those dwelling
units.
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What is the effect of these changes:
"Not-for-profit rental housing" means low income housing that is owned by a nonprofit corporation incorporated under the Society Act or a government organization and occupied or intended to be occupied under tenancy agreements as defined in the Residential Tenancy Act,
For Non-Profits DCC's will be waived.
1 unit water DCC = 1857
1 unit Parks DCC = 3644
Total = $5501 per unit.
http://www.rdno.ca/bylaws/BL_1983_C.pdf
In October of 2016 amendments to the DCC bylaw for Parks and Water were approved and sent to the Provinces Inspector for approval.
Finally at the last RDNO meeting of July 19 they were unanimously approved and are now in effect.
(a) Pursuant to section 563(1 )(a) of the Local Government Act, Development Cost Charges for not-for-profit rental housing as defined in this bylaw are waived in their entirety.
(b) No Development Cost Charges shall be required to be paid where the building permit authorizes the construction, alteration or extension of a building or part of a building that will, after the construction, alteration or extension:
(i) Contain fewer than two (2) residential dwelling units; and
(ii) Be put to no use other than the residential use in those dwelling
units.
------------------
What is the effect of these changes:
"Not-for-profit rental housing" means low income housing that is owned by a nonprofit corporation incorporated under the Society Act or a government organization and occupied or intended to be occupied under tenancy agreements as defined in the Residential Tenancy Act,
For Non-Profits DCC's will be waived.
1 unit water DCC = 1857
1 unit Parks DCC = 3644
Total = $5501 per unit.
Friday, July 21, 2017
2016 annual water report
http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/services/engineering/water/greater-vernon-water
Prepared for: Interior Health and RDNO Prepared by: Renee Clark, Water Quality Manager, RDNO Contributors: RDNO Engineering Department Regional District of North Okanagan 9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream, BC June 30, 2017
Monday, July 03, 2017
IHA Water Presentation at GVAC Thursday.
https://rdno.civicweb.net/document/75813
GREATER VERNON ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, July 6, 2017 Boardroom - 9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream, BC 9:00 a.m.
D. DELEGATIONS
1. Drinking Water in Interior Health - Report Presentation
Dr. Trevor Corneil, Chief Medical Health Officer, Interior Health Authority Gordon Moseley, Specialist Environmental Health Officer, Interior Health Authority
• PowerPoint Presentation Page 8 - 17
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G. NEW BUSINESS
1. Drinking Water in Interior Health
• Staff report dated June 21, 2017
RECOMMENDATION 3 Page 18 - 77
That the report dated June 21, 2017 from the Manager, Utility Operations titled “Dr. Corneil, Chief Medical Health Officer, presentation on the Drinking Water in Interior Health report
released in January 2017” be received for information.
GREATER VERNON ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, July 6, 2017 Boardroom - 9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream, BC 9:00 a.m.
D. DELEGATIONS
1. Drinking Water in Interior Health - Report Presentation
Dr. Trevor Corneil, Chief Medical Health Officer, Interior Health Authority Gordon Moseley, Specialist Environmental Health Officer, Interior Health Authority
• PowerPoint Presentation Page 8 - 17
--------
G. NEW BUSINESS
1. Drinking Water in Interior Health
• Staff report dated June 21, 2017
RECOMMENDATION 3 Page 18 - 77
That the report dated June 21, 2017 from the Manager, Utility Operations titled “Dr. Corneil, Chief Medical Health Officer, presentation on the Drinking Water in Interior Health report
released in January 2017” be received for information.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Greater Vernon Water Master Water Plan Financial Implementation Strategy
https://rdno.civicweb.net/document/74346 (P.111-127)
• Staff report dated May 29, 2017
• Staff presentation (to be circulated)
RECOMMENDATION 6 Page 111 - 127
That the report dated May 29, 2017 from the Manager, Utility Operations and the General Manager, Finance titled “Greater Vernon Water Master Water Plan Financial Implementation
Strategy ” be received for information.
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Excerpts: (Click to enlarge)
• Staff report dated May 29, 2017
• Staff presentation (to be circulated)
RECOMMENDATION 6 Page 111 - 127
That the report dated May 29, 2017 from the Manager, Utility Operations and the General Manager, Finance titled “Greater Vernon Water Master Water Plan Financial Implementation
Strategy ” be received for information.
==========
************************`
Excerpts: (Click to enlarge)
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Cherry crops harvest debate
RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Thu Jun 22nd, 2017 9:00amNEWS
A growing demand for cherries is fuelling a political debate over food security and the economy.Regional District of North Okanagan directors spent considerable time Wednesday debating how some large tracts of land are being purchased for tree fruits. “It’s a little alarming when you lose your food supply to cherries,” said Janice Brown, Spallumcheen director. According to Brown, asparagus and corn fields in her community have been replaced by cherries.“All of those (vegetables) supply our grocery stores and farmers market. Now, the cherries will be shipped to China,” she said. Doug Dirk, Coldstream director, also expressed concern about what he sees as industrial agriculture.“Most of the economic development doesn’t end up in the community,” he said of fruit being shipped overseas and foreign workers being used. Recently, some Coldstream residents have protested large-scale orchards’ activities and noise late at night, including helicopters which blow rain off of cherries. However, the investment in orchards also has its supporters. “A lot of these are family operated but they are so big. To be viable, they are leasing land,” said Juliette Cunningham, Vernon director. Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, says expanded focus on farming shouldn’t be a surprise. “Agriculture is an industry no different than a mill or a mine,” he said. “Those fields that used to be used for hay are now being repurposed into another value.” In terms of economic impact, Macnabb says farmers pay property taxes and for water, purchase services locally and even if they use foreign workers, much of those wages are spent here. As for Brown’s concerns that cherry crops undermine the ability of communities to feed themselves, Macnabb insists that’s not the case in other towns. “There are a great number of market gardens going in,” he said.The cherry market is worth about $50 million and that could climb to $60 million in 2017.
A growing demand for cherries is fuelling a political debate over food security and the economy.Regional District of North Okanagan directors spent considerable time Wednesday debating how some large tracts of land are being purchased for tree fruits. “It’s a little alarming when you lose your food supply to cherries,” said Janice Brown, Spallumcheen director. According to Brown, asparagus and corn fields in her community have been replaced by cherries.“All of those (vegetables) supply our grocery stores and farmers market. Now, the cherries will be shipped to China,” she said. Doug Dirk, Coldstream director, also expressed concern about what he sees as industrial agriculture.“Most of the economic development doesn’t end up in the community,” he said of fruit being shipped overseas and foreign workers being used. Recently, some Coldstream residents have protested large-scale orchards’ activities and noise late at night, including helicopters which blow rain off of cherries. However, the investment in orchards also has its supporters. “A lot of these are family operated but they are so big. To be viable, they are leasing land,” said Juliette Cunningham, Vernon director. Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, says expanded focus on farming shouldn’t be a surprise. “Agriculture is an industry no different than a mill or a mine,” he said. “Those fields that used to be used for hay are now being repurposed into another value.” In terms of economic impact, Macnabb says farmers pay property taxes and for water, purchase services locally and even if they use foreign workers, much of those wages are spent here. As for Brown’s concerns that cherry crops undermine the ability of communities to feed themselves, Macnabb insists that’s not the case in other towns. “There are a great number of market gardens going in,” he said.The cherry market is worth about $50 million and that could climb to $60 million in 2017.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Thursday, June 08, 2017
Water Report Calls For Investment
Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 KISS FMPete McIntyre June 07, 2017 04:46 pm
Health officials are urging Interior communities — like Greater Vernon — to move forward with system improvements, to make drinking water safer. That’s one of the recommendations from a new report on water systems by Interior Health. Medical Health Officer Dr. Trevor Corneil says water suppliers tend to over-rely on advisories or notices for water health concerns, which he says makes people forget there’s still a risk. “They tend to forget individuals who are at highest risk, whether its children, pregnant women, the elderly, or others with immune disorders, actually do have to boil their water and can’t drink the water coming out of the tap,” says Corneil. He says the notices and advisories also give water suppliers a reason to not improve their infrastructure. “A city does have to invest. A city has to support its infrastructure. And this is where provincial and federal grants come in. They match, and can cover significant portions of those costs,” Corneil tells Kiss FM. Interior Health has been urging local politicians to add more filtration to the Duteau and Kal Lake systems, each with multi million dollar price tags. Corneil says the report should serve as a reset button on drinking water. “This is really an opportunity for Vernon specifically to reset that button and to look at the data in a new way, and to work with Interior Health on improvements. I think Vernon is a great example of a city that has struggled with water. We know they have a high frequency of water advisories.” Among the report’s recommendations is a more collaborative engagement process with water operators and First Nations communities, to ensure sustainable improvements are made and provincial water treatment objectives are achieved by 2025. “This could include upgrades to water treatment facilities, improved source protection, and the development of response plans to help protect public health during unexpected situations,” adds Corneil.
Health officials are urging Interior communities — like Greater Vernon — to move forward with system improvements, to make drinking water safer. That’s one of the recommendations from a new report on water systems by Interior Health. Medical Health Officer Dr. Trevor Corneil says water suppliers tend to over-rely on advisories or notices for water health concerns, which he says makes people forget there’s still a risk. “They tend to forget individuals who are at highest risk, whether its children, pregnant women, the elderly, or others with immune disorders, actually do have to boil their water and can’t drink the water coming out of the tap,” says Corneil. He says the notices and advisories also give water suppliers a reason to not improve their infrastructure. “A city does have to invest. A city has to support its infrastructure. And this is where provincial and federal grants come in. They match, and can cover significant portions of those costs,” Corneil tells Kiss FM. Interior Health has been urging local politicians to add more filtration to the Duteau and Kal Lake systems, each with multi million dollar price tags. Corneil says the report should serve as a reset button on drinking water. “This is really an opportunity for Vernon specifically to reset that button and to look at the data in a new way, and to work with Interior Health on improvements. I think Vernon is a great example of a city that has struggled with water. We know they have a high frequency of water advisories.” Among the report’s recommendations is a more collaborative engagement process with water operators and First Nations communities, to ensure sustainable improvements are made and provincial water treatment objectives are achieved by 2025. “This could include upgrades to water treatment facilities, improved source protection, and the development of response plans to help protect public health during unexpected situations,” adds Corneil.
Friday, May 19, 2017
RDNO To Apply For Grant For Water Filtration
Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 KISS FM Tom Mark May 19, 2017 06:17 am
The Regional District of North Okanagan is committing itself to have a filtration system installed at the Mission Hill Water Treatment Plant. RDNO Board Chair Bob Fleming says the board approved seeking a government grant for a much needed system ” there’s two treatment systems, chlorine obviously. The other is UV light. The ultimate solution to make sure that we continue to meet Interior Health guidelines would be filtration.” Fleming says senior government funding is needed to help with it. ” yeah, So that’s a combination, the Strategic Priorities Fund, I think it’s the one and it’s a joint federal-provincial funding mechanism for waste water and water treatment.”Fleming says an application will be submitted as soon as possible. A filtration system would cost about 36 million dollars.” Unless we get senior levels of government contributing to the funding in a significant way that will be deferred which is fine for the time being.”He says a filtration system is on the back burner for the Duteau plant but will be part of a review of the Master Water Plan.
The Regional District of North Okanagan is committing itself to have a filtration system installed at the Mission Hill Water Treatment Plant. RDNO Board Chair Bob Fleming says the board approved seeking a government grant for a much needed system ” there’s two treatment systems, chlorine obviously. The other is UV light. The ultimate solution to make sure that we continue to meet Interior Health guidelines would be filtration.” Fleming says senior government funding is needed to help with it. ” yeah, So that’s a combination, the Strategic Priorities Fund, I think it’s the one and it’s a joint federal-provincial funding mechanism for waste water and water treatment.”Fleming says an application will be submitted as soon as possible. A filtration system would cost about 36 million dollars.” Unless we get senior levels of government contributing to the funding in a significant way that will be deferred which is fine for the time being.”He says a filtration system is on the back burner for the Duteau plant but will be part of a review of the Master Water Plan.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Agricultural Water Rates Going Up
Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 KISS FM Ron Manz March 23, 2017 03:00 pm
Agricultural customers in the Greater Vernon Water District will be seeing their rates increasing over the next three years. Currently between $950-thousand and a million, fifty thousand dollars is collected for agricultural water use, but the actual cost is much more. Regional District North Okanagan Chair Bob Fleming says a 3.7% hike will be phased in over a 3 year period. “The rates will be eased up over a three year period to try to balance that so that what is designated or what we can reasonably capture as agricultural costs are being recovered through agricultural rates.” “The costs that can be specifically allocated to agriculture is somewhere between $950,000 and $1,050,000 and right now we are falling a little bit short of capturing that through agricultural rates.” “Right now agriculture is not completed separated from the domestic service.” That domestic service currently collects fees based on 50% from a fixed rate for water use and 50% on variable rates to encourage conservation.
Agricultural customers in the Greater Vernon Water District will be seeing their rates increasing over the next three years. Currently between $950-thousand and a million, fifty thousand dollars is collected for agricultural water use, but the actual cost is much more. Regional District North Okanagan Chair Bob Fleming says a 3.7% hike will be phased in over a 3 year period. “The rates will be eased up over a three year period to try to balance that so that what is designated or what we can reasonably capture as agricultural costs are being recovered through agricultural rates.” “The costs that can be specifically allocated to agriculture is somewhere between $950,000 and $1,050,000 and right now we are falling a little bit short of capturing that through agricultural rates.” “Right now agriculture is not completed separated from the domestic service.” That domestic service currently collects fees based on 50% from a fixed rate for water use and 50% on variable rates to encourage conservation.
Water Change
Vernon, BC, Canada 1075 KISS FM Pete McIntyre March 23, 2017 12:43 pm
Some Greater Vernon homes and businesses will be using a different water source next week. The regional district says the Duteau Creek source will be turned off the week of March 27th for planned maintenance. All customers will be supplied with Kalamalka Lake water from the Mission Hill Treatment Plant. “Customers regularly receiving Duteau water could notice a change in their water as Kalamalka Lake water is harder and more alkaline,” says Utilities Manager Zee Marcolin. “This may be of interest to those customers who have in-home water treatment systems or aquariums.” As an emergency backup supply, the Antwerp Deep Well and Ranch Well #1 have been serviced to be on standby and will only be used if needed. Both the Antwerp Deep Well and Ranch Well #1 are approved by Interior Health as emergency potable water use backups and are considered safe as drinking water sources. “The Antwerp Shallow Well that was contaminated in 2010 has been permanently taken off-line and will not be used by GVW as a potable water source,” ads Marcolin.
If the Antwerp Deep Well is used, road signs will be posted in affected areas and on our website with a map outlining customers impacted. The maintenance work should be completed by March 31, 2017 but could be extended if required.
Some Greater Vernon homes and businesses will be using a different water source next week. The regional district says the Duteau Creek source will be turned off the week of March 27th for planned maintenance. All customers will be supplied with Kalamalka Lake water from the Mission Hill Treatment Plant. “Customers regularly receiving Duteau water could notice a change in their water as Kalamalka Lake water is harder and more alkaline,” says Utilities Manager Zee Marcolin. “This may be of interest to those customers who have in-home water treatment systems or aquariums.” As an emergency backup supply, the Antwerp Deep Well and Ranch Well #1 have been serviced to be on standby and will only be used if needed. Both the Antwerp Deep Well and Ranch Well #1 are approved by Interior Health as emergency potable water use backups and are considered safe as drinking water sources. “The Antwerp Shallow Well that was contaminated in 2010 has been permanently taken off-line and will not be used by GVW as a potable water source,” ads Marcolin.
If the Antwerp Deep Well is used, road signs will be posted in affected areas and on our website with a map outlining customers impacted. The maintenance work should be completed by March 31, 2017 but could be extended if required.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Water Rates Changes to be approved at RDNO Wednesday.
P.148 https://rdno.civicweb.net/document/70671
Below are the 2016 rates and the proposed 2017 water rates effective April 1, 2017.
Link to a residential calculator where you can put in your quarterly consumption amount (in m3) and see how these new rates will effect you. (in my case my 46m3 quarterly consumption will result in an annual reduction of $13.48.)
Try the Beta calculator and estimate your saving or increase.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nnItofUqHBkL8mKea_eEcAq-nK3LBa7EVSFqANPjmzw/edit#gid=0
Below are the 2016 rates and the proposed 2017 water rates effective April 1, 2017.
Link to a residential calculator where you can put in your quarterly consumption amount (in m3) and see how these new rates will effect you. (in my case my 46m3 quarterly consumption will result in an annual reduction of $13.48.)
Try the Beta calculator and estimate your saving or increase.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nnItofUqHBkL8mKea_eEcAq-nK3LBa7EVSFqANPjmzw/edit#gid=0
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| 2017 rates effective April 1 (If approved RDNO Wednesday) |
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| 2016 Rates |
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| 2017 rates effective April 1 (If approved RDNO Wednesday) |
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| 2016 Rates |
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