by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 15, 2016 at 1:00 AM
Sewer lines could ultimately snake their way deeper into Okanagan Landing. The City of Vernon will pursue a federal/provincial grant to extend the sewer service into four areas of the Landing. “There are 1,000 homes in the city not on sewer and this would go a long way to addressing this situation,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham of the grant. The total project cost for the 3.7 kilometres of pipe is $3.7 million and the city would also have to contribute funds if the government grant is approved. “Funding from the New Building Canada Fund-Small Communities Fund would lower the overall cost of servicing these neighbourhoods, and improve the likelihood of future local service area type sanitary sewer extensions to these priority areas,” said Greg Thompson, municipal technician, in a memo. “If the city’s application for funding is successful, the intent would be to pursue local area service projects for these neighbourhoods concurrent with the proposed grant project.” The areas being targeted by the city for sewer extension include the Claremont subdivision, Cameo Road, Crosby Road and Dallas Road. The lack of sewer has been a concern for many residents since Okanagan Landing joined the city in 1993.
Showing posts with label sewer ok landing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewer ok landing. Show all posts
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Sewer policies reviewed
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 14, 2012 1:00 AM
Measures may be taken to extend sewer into more Okanagan Landing neighbourhoods. City of Vernon staff will bring forward a report detailing options to extend sewer to unserviced properties. The report will consider issues such as grant possibilities, time frames, costs and cost recovery. “There are more than 1,000 residences in the city still on septic and most of them are in the Landing,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “I hope to get more people off septic and on to sewer.” While there are sanitary sewer trunk mains along Okanagan Landing, Eastside and Tronson roads, there may be cases where residents aren’t aware of the process that would see them access the service. “If we raise awareness and are realistic with expectations and timelines, people can make decisions,” said Cunningham. But Cunningham isn’t suggesting the city will become responsible for all of the costs of installing sewer. In most cases, that will still be left up to property owners. But she expects costs could be lowered if a new residential development leads to sewer being extended into existing neighbourhoods. “Significant development will occur there.”
Measures may be taken to extend sewer into more Okanagan Landing neighbourhoods. City of Vernon staff will bring forward a report detailing options to extend sewer to unserviced properties. The report will consider issues such as grant possibilities, time frames, costs and cost recovery. “There are more than 1,000 residences in the city still on septic and most of them are in the Landing,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “I hope to get more people off septic and on to sewer.” While there are sanitary sewer trunk mains along Okanagan Landing, Eastside and Tronson roads, there may be cases where residents aren’t aware of the process that would see them access the service. “If we raise awareness and are realistic with expectations and timelines, people can make decisions,” said Cunningham. But Cunningham isn’t suggesting the city will become responsible for all of the costs of installing sewer. In most cases, that will still be left up to property owners. But she expects costs could be lowered if a new residential development leads to sewer being extended into existing neighbourhoods. “Significant development will occur there.”
Friday, October 12, 2012
City To Outline Sewer Plan
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 11 October 2012 21:00
A Vernon councillor is pushing to get more city properties off septic systems --- and onto city sewer. Juliette Cunningham led a motion approved by council to get staff to outline options and processes to extend sewer into un-serviced areas of Okanagan Landing. "I know there was promises made during the amalgamation (in 1993) that they would be getting access to sewer, but it really hasn't happened for a lot of them, and I think a lot of them don't know what the process is, so I would like it to be clearer." Cunningham says more than one-thousand city properties are still on septic, with most of those in the Landing. "If we raise the awareness and provide a timeline, everyone could then perhaps make their decisions around replacement of the septic if they knew when they were next in line. It (the process) has so far been very unpredictable and very sporadic." Cunningham would like to see residents be allowed to access the service, when new developments go into their area.
A Vernon councillor is pushing to get more city properties off septic systems --- and onto city sewer. Juliette Cunningham led a motion approved by council to get staff to outline options and processes to extend sewer into un-serviced areas of Okanagan Landing. "I know there was promises made during the amalgamation (in 1993) that they would be getting access to sewer, but it really hasn't happened for a lot of them, and I think a lot of them don't know what the process is, so I would like it to be clearer." Cunningham says more than one-thousand city properties are still on septic, with most of those in the Landing. "If we raise the awareness and provide a timeline, everyone could then perhaps make their decisions around replacement of the septic if they knew when they were next in line. It (the process) has so far been very unpredictable and very sporadic." Cunningham would like to see residents be allowed to access the service, when new developments go into their area.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Findlater says thanks for sewer funding
West Kelowna's mayor has personally thanked MP Stockwell Day and MLA Ben Stewart for their support in securing funding for the District of West Kelowna's sewer servicing strategy. The trio met at the site of one of the newly completed sewer projects on Saturday. “Securing sewer service for our community has been Council’s top priority since West Kelowna’s inception,” says Mayor Doug Findlater. “I thank Stockwell Day and Ben Stewart for recognizing just how important this funding was to this new municipality. I am here today to show them that the District appreciates their advice, advocacy and support.” As a result of this funding, 450 homes in West Kelowna received sewer services in 2010 and will be able to connect this winter. Additional funding also meant Council was able to lower the overall connection cost to all residents in the sewer servicing strategy. Residents will pay $8,400 per connection instead of $10,193. Project timelines have had to be adjusted to meet the funding deadline.
In February 2010, Hon. Day, MP Okanagan-Coquihalla, and Hon. Stewart, MLA Westside-Kelowna, announced funding for Phase 2 of the District’s sewer servicing strategy in the amount of $5.1 million – the governments of Canada and BC each contributing $2.55 million towards the $8.8 million project. The welcome news that the District would receive the new funding came with a stipulation that all work was to be done by March 31, 2011. The District is pleased to report that its projects are substantially complete, well ahead of schedule and on budget - Phase 5 – Glenrosa - McGinnis Road, Phase 6 – Glenrosa - Gates Road and Phase 8 – Lakeview – Hudson Road. Also completed in 2010 was Pineridge Place and completed in 2009 was Ranch Road.
Now the District will focus its attention on completing the 961 connections in the first seven phases which received a $6 million grant from the Federal and Provincial Governments in Feb. 2009 (this work needs to be complete by 2013). To come in 2011 to 2013 are:
The District is also reviewing the overall sewer servicing strategy for future phases. This review will be before Council later this winter
West Kelowna coming clean for residents
Ron Seymour 2010-11-22 Kelowna Daily Courier:
At least one West Kelowna family won‘t have to go to the bathroom in their RV for too much longer. The expansion of the sanitary sewer system is progressing through neighbourhoods where there has been a history of serious problems with septic fields. Some have failed completely and can no longer be used. "I‘m aware of at least one family who‘ve been going to the bathroom in their RV, then having to drive it away regularly to empty the tank," West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater said Sunday. "They‘ve had to do that for about a year." Other families, Findlater said, are paying more than $1,000 to empty their failing septic tanks as often as four times a year. About 500 more homes are now being added to the sanitary sewer system in West Kelowna. The provincial and federal governments directed $5.5 million towards the project, using infrastructure funds that were initially supposed to go to the Victoria-area community of Oak Bay. But that municipality chose earlier this year to delay a sewering project because of rising costs. Okanagan-Coquihalla MP Stockwell Day and Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart then approved transfer of the federal and provincial funds to the sewer project in West Kelowna.
Another 1,000 homes in West Kelowna will be added onto the sewer system once the current project is completed by the March 31, 20011, deadline for the use of the federal-provincial funds. Each residential property owner is paying about $8,400 toward the overall cost of the sewering project. But they also have to pay to tie in their own home‘s plumbing system to the street connections, and that cost can vary between a few thousand dollars to $20,000, depending on the lot‘s size and topography.Once the two projects are complete, virtually all of the urban residential areas in West Kelowna will be on sanitary sewers. Only large lots in rural areas, or those on the fringes of the municipality, will continue to rely on septic systems for the foreseeable future.
At least one West Kelowna family won‘t have to go to the bathroom in their RV for too much longer. The expansion of the sanitary sewer system is progressing through neighbourhoods where there has been a history of serious problems with septic fields. Some have failed completely and can no longer be used. "I‘m aware of at least one family who‘ve been going to the bathroom in their RV, then having to drive it away regularly to empty the tank," West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater said Sunday. "They‘ve had to do that for about a year." Other families, Findlater said, are paying more than $1,000 to empty their failing septic tanks as often as four times a year. About 500 more homes are now being added to the sanitary sewer system in West Kelowna. The provincial and federal governments directed $5.5 million towards the project, using infrastructure funds that were initially supposed to go to the Victoria-area community of Oak Bay. But that municipality chose earlier this year to delay a sewering project because of rising costs. Okanagan-Coquihalla MP Stockwell Day and Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart then approved transfer of the federal and provincial funds to the sewer project in West Kelowna.
Another 1,000 homes in West Kelowna will be added onto the sewer system once the current project is completed by the March 31, 20011, deadline for the use of the federal-provincial funds. Each residential property owner is paying about $8,400 toward the overall cost of the sewering project. But they also have to pay to tie in their own home‘s plumbing system to the street connections, and that cost can vary between a few thousand dollars to $20,000, depending on the lot‘s size and topography.Once the two projects are complete, virtually all of the urban residential areas in West Kelowna will be on sanitary sewers. Only large lots in rural areas, or those on the fringes of the municipality, will continue to rely on septic systems for the foreseeable future.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Councillor concerned about sewer fees
There is some concern that Okanagan Landing residents could be tapped big bucks for sewer. Coun. Patrick Nicol opposed a motion Monday that will see the City of Vernon update and consolidate sewer extension policies for developed areas in the Landing that are currently serviced by septic systems. “I don’t want those on working septic fields funding mandatory sewer connections,” said Nicol. “The costs could drive them off their property.” While there has been a lot of new development in the Landing, Nicol says the city can’t forget that many residents have lived there long before the area was annexed into Vernon in 1993. “These are long-time residents,” he said. “The amount of money to connect to sewer was substantial for these elderly people.”
Currently, sewer extensions to existing developed areas are done through development, local area service projects, municipal fee projects or a combination of these methods. City policy presently allows for a one-third subsidy towards the cost of extending sewer to areas deemed to be an environmental or health concern. “As many of the unsewered areas in Okanagan Landing are experiencing ongoing septic system failures, it is likely that the current subsidy policy will be requested more frequently,” said Greg Thompson, municipal financial technician, in a report. “Instead of rewarding owners who wait for failure to occur, the subsidy policy should be updated to provide incentives for owners to connect to city sewer in a planned and orderly manner prior to mass failures occurring.” With about 1,000 properties not connected to sewer, the cost implications for the city could be significant. “If all of these became local, we’d be looking at $18 million,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. “I’m scared to death of using municipal fees, especially with one-third subsidies.”
Currently, sewer extensions to existing developed areas are done through development, local area service projects, municipal fee projects or a combination of these methods. City policy presently allows for a one-third subsidy towards the cost of extending sewer to areas deemed to be an environmental or health concern. “As many of the unsewered areas in Okanagan Landing are experiencing ongoing septic system failures, it is likely that the current subsidy policy will be requested more frequently,” said Greg Thompson, municipal financial technician, in a report. “Instead of rewarding owners who wait for failure to occur, the subsidy policy should be updated to provide incentives for owners to connect to city sewer in a planned and orderly manner prior to mass failures occurring.” With about 1,000 properties not connected to sewer, the cost implications for the city could be significant. “If all of these became local, we’d be looking at $18 million,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. “I’m scared to death of using municipal fees, especially with one-third subsidies.”
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Sewer Plan For Landing
Extending sewer service to the remaining one thousand homes in Okanagan Landing still on septic systems, is stirring up a debate on council. The city is putting together a new sewer extension policy for areas of the Landing currently serviced with on-site septic disposal systems. Councillor Patrick Nicol says some homeowners have been reluctant in the past to convert to the city service. "There's a reason and it's financial. The cost to some of them is quite prohibitive with the amount of money they have on fixed incomes, so at the very least the city should give them some public input into it." Councillor Bob Spiers is more concerned about potential costs to the city, saying using a "municipal fee' as a payment method could result in the city facing an 18 million dollar receivable. "And that scares the hell out of me." In a report to council, city financial technician Greg Thompson says the current city policy allows for council to approve a 1/3 subsidy towards the cost of extending city sewer to areas that staff deem to be a current or eminent environmental or health concern. "As many of the unsewered areas in the Landing are experiencing ongoing septic system failures, it is likely that the current subsidy policy will be requested more frequently." Thompson says instead of rewarding owners who wait for failure to occur, the subsidy policy should be updated to provide incentives for owners to connect to city sewer in a planned and orderly manner prior to mass failures occurring.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Okanagan Landing Sewer Issue Back Before Council - Costs for City and residents questioned
It's a smelly issue. One thousand Okanagan Landing residents remain on septic systems and the matter has once again gone before Vernon city council. Some councillors are concerned about hook up fees but for entirely different reasons. Bob Spiers fears the possible cost to the City. ``If everyone went the Muncipal Fee way, we could have an 18-million dollar receivable out there and that scares the hell out of me,'' Spiers warned Monday, adding that he was also worried about the impact of subsidies to residents who go for hook up. Patrick Nicol had another worry. He said he doesn't want long-time, elderly residents to be forced to hook up when a sewer line goes past their front doors. He said some people are on fixed incomes and can't afford it.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
West Kelowna homes hooking onto sewer line
2010-02-06 Kelowna Daily Courier:
More than 1,100 West Kelowna homes will be hooked onto sanitary sewers as a result of a government funding announcement on Friday. Ottawa and Victoria are each providing $2.5 million toward the project, with the District of West Kelowna adding another $3.7 million. “This project will not only make local infrastructure reliable for years to come, but is creating jobs today to boost our economy for tomorrow,” Okanagan-Coquihalla MP Stockwell Day said. Sewers will be extended through parts of Glenrosa, Lakeview Heights and the Casa Loma neighbourhoods. With the federal and provincial governments providing nearly 60 per cent of the sewering project‘s cost, expansion of the system “can now be done without a tremendous financial burden on our citizens,” said West Kelowna mayor Doug Findlater. A sewering project in West Kelowna last year received federal and provincial funding totalling $6 million. “Giving communities the support they need to develop and enhance essential infrastructure is a prime concern for all levels of government,” said Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart.
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Don Quixote Note: This appears to be a Grant that Vernon also has applied for at least twice since 2007 and has been denied.
MRIF =Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund
More than 1,100 West Kelowna homes will be hooked onto sanitary sewers as a result of a government funding announcement on Friday. Ottawa and Victoria are each providing $2.5 million toward the project, with the District of West Kelowna adding another $3.7 million. “This project will not only make local infrastructure reliable for years to come, but is creating jobs today to boost our economy for tomorrow,” Okanagan-Coquihalla MP Stockwell Day said. Sewers will be extended through parts of Glenrosa, Lakeview Heights and the Casa Loma neighbourhoods. With the federal and provincial governments providing nearly 60 per cent of the sewering project‘s cost, expansion of the system “can now be done without a tremendous financial burden on our citizens,” said West Kelowna mayor Doug Findlater. A sewering project in West Kelowna last year received federal and provincial funding totalling $6 million. “Giving communities the support they need to develop and enhance essential infrastructure is a prime concern for all levels of government,” said Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart.
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Don Quixote Note: This appears to be a Grant that Vernon also has applied for at least twice since 2007 and has been denied.
Okanagan Septic Removal Program | ||
| Total Cost: | $4,415,634 |
Monday, July 28, 2008
Kin Beach closed to public
By Kevin Rothwell 107.5 KISSFM
Kin Beach park in Okanagan Landing is cordoned off this morning. Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation Manager Al McNiven explains why. "The Kin Beach property will be closed (for now). There was a sewer line breakout in the Okanagan Landing area (Sunday) night and there's some concern that some of it got into the creek so we're shutting down the beach until we have a chance to so water tests and send them in and confirm everything is fine." McNiven says they will run water tests as soon as possible to determine when the park can be re-opened and if there was an contamination of the creek.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Keremeos sewer expansion grant
by Stewart Cross - Giant FM -Jan 21, 2008
A major funding announcement was made in Keremeos Monday. As part of the B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, the federal and provincial governments invested more than $685,000 to allow Keremeos to extend its sewer to the Upper bench area. The announcement was made by Okanagan-Westside MLA Rick Thorpe and Abbotsford MP Ed Fast. Keremeos mayor Walter Despot says the money will all go towards moving Keremeos forward and maturing as a municipality. “The infrastructure grant follows the infrastructure work we have done before,” says Despot. The grant will extend the sewer benefits to about 250 people and includes a new pump station amongst the improvements.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Former mayor denies deceiving Landing residents
By Vernon Daily Courier staff http://www.dailycourier.ca/index.php Mon June 25
Former Vernon mayor Wayne McGrath has taken issue with comments made by Coun. Pat Cochrane and Okanagan Landing resident Alan Hill which were printed in the Vernon Daily Courier last Wednesday. “I think Pat Cochrane’s comments were inappropriate,” said McGrath, “He admits he has no knowledge of this letter but he says I’ve misled people.” The article highlighted the disagreement between the city and residents of Okanagan Landing over which party was responsible for the costs to connect to the sewer line. In the article, Alan Hill quoted a letter from McGrath addressed to Okanagan Landing residents in which the former mayor is alleged to promise that Okanagan Landing residents would be able to connect to the sewer system at no cost. Cochrane also blamed McGrath for the confusion regarding the responsibility of connection costs, saying that “it seems that Mr. McGrath encouraged people to believe that there would be no cost.”
A copy of the letter in question, dated March 29, 1993, states that “The City will provide existing Landing residents with access to trunk sewer lines, force mains, lift stations, sewage treatment plant and effluent disposal at no cost.” However, the next sentence holds that residents would be required to pay for the cost of collector lines that “may be required to connect to trunk mains”. McGrath acknowledged that the technical terms used could be misleading to a layperson but also said that “you can read very clearly that there is a
cost for residents.” McGrath added that existing residents were told they would not have to pay connection fees, but would be responsible for paying for the sewer lines that would connect their house to the main “trunk” line.
McGrath admitted that “all documents are relatively silent on who pays for the line from the individual homes to the main line”, but that it was made clear that residents would pick up the tab.While McGrath defended the honesty of his council, he was quick to point out that he felt it was unfair that Landing residents are currently required to purchase pump equipment – that could cost as much as $15,000 – if they want to join the line. “We never envisioned people would have to put in grinder pumps,” said McGrath, noting that the original sewer plan was changed after the Outback development “leapfrogged” existing sewer systems, requiring city planners to change the type of pump that would drive the system.
Former Vernon mayor Wayne McGrath has taken issue with comments made by Coun. Pat Cochrane and Okanagan Landing resident Alan Hill which were printed in the Vernon Daily Courier last Wednesday. “I think Pat Cochrane’s comments were inappropriate,” said McGrath, “He admits he has no knowledge of this letter but he says I’ve misled people.” The article highlighted the disagreement between the city and residents of Okanagan Landing over which party was responsible for the costs to connect to the sewer line. In the article, Alan Hill quoted a letter from McGrath addressed to Okanagan Landing residents in which the former mayor is alleged to promise that Okanagan Landing residents would be able to connect to the sewer system at no cost. Cochrane also blamed McGrath for the confusion regarding the responsibility of connection costs, saying that “it seems that Mr. McGrath encouraged people to believe that there would be no cost.”
A copy of the letter in question, dated March 29, 1993, states that “The City will provide existing Landing residents with access to trunk sewer lines, force mains, lift stations, sewage treatment plant and effluent disposal at no cost.” However, the next sentence holds that residents would be required to pay for the cost of collector lines that “may be required to connect to trunk mains”. McGrath acknowledged that the technical terms used could be misleading to a layperson but also said that “you can read very clearly that there is a
cost for residents.” McGrath added that existing residents were told they would not have to pay connection fees, but would be responsible for paying for the sewer lines that would connect their house to the main “trunk” line.
McGrath admitted that “all documents are relatively silent on who pays for the line from the individual homes to the main line”, but that it was made clear that residents would pick up the tab.While McGrath defended the honesty of his council, he was quick to point out that he felt it was unfair that Landing residents are currently required to purchase pump equipment – that could cost as much as $15,000 – if they want to join the line. “We never envisioned people would have to put in grinder pumps,” said McGrath, noting that the original sewer plan was changed after the Outback development “leapfrogged” existing sewer systems, requiring city planners to change the type of pump that would drive the system.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Sewer concerns relayed
By STACIE SNOW Morning Star Staff Jun 24 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
The Committee Regarding Okanagan Landing Sewer (CROLS) and City of Vernon staff held an open house to allow Area 2 residents to voice their concerns about the imminent connection to a low-pressure sewer line. The panel allowed residents to voice their concerns. The members will then bring those issues to the July 23 City Council meeting for further consideration. “The point of the session is to address concerns, develop a strategy and have it turned into council resolutions,” said Robert-Lee Dickinson, municipal engineer with the city. “Your constructive feedback will allow us to present this information to council in a formal matter that will result in the rewriting of bylaws.” Dickinson gave a visual presentation to clarify issues regarding the operation of the low-pressure system, onsite service requirements, current connection requirements, user fees, water meters, area regulations and incentives to connect.
About 100 Area 2 (106 houses located on the 2300 meter section of Okanagan Landing Road from 8167 to 8990) resident attended the meeting. The city will not force residents to connect to the system but if a septic system fails, repairs will not be permitted and connection will be mandatory. All properties that are adjacent to a sewer collection line must pay an “availability charge” of $47.79 per quarter per residence. Additional costs to residents will include a $90 plumbing permit, a $3,500 connection fee, optional water meter $170, onsite work $9,000-$15,000, for a cost of $13,000 to $19,000 per household. The total cost for all of the 106 households is $320,000. If homeowners do not use much water, there is the option to purchase a water meter and have the sewer billed in relation to the amount of water a household uses. “If you have a lower than normal usage and you feel you could save money with a meter, you have that option,” said Jeremy Kinch, manager of planning, development and engineering services for the city. “However, it is unlikely that you would save much, if any money because it would take a while to make up the cost of the meter.”
One of the citizens’ major concerns was that the policies described by the panel ignore the promises made to Landing residents at the time of the annexation in 1993. “There was no vote for this,” said CROLS committee member Kathleen Nolan. “Originally it was going to be a gravity-fed system and now it is chanced to a grinder fed system without a vote. We are being forced into this. “I think that the cost is way to high and I don’t see any other area of Vernon that is being forced into paying that out of their pocket.” Dickinson countered by telling the crowd that the panel has conducted research into payment methods used in other jurisdictions with similar systems. “The resounding reply from studies that we have done in relation to other areas is that it is easier and more cost effective for the pump to be owned by the property owner because if the owner is familiar with the system, they can handle it when it breaks down,” said Dickinson. Elaine Swyripa was concerned that residents of the Landing have attended many meetings and been told what the fees will entail, but the costs continue to escalate. “You are downloading the cost of this system on very few people and it hardly seems fair,” she said. Ghee Hwany agreed that residents are willing to pay for some costs but he felt that others seem outrageous.
“Before the night is over we need to send a message to council that we are people just like everybody else, we are sensible and we feel we are getting a bad deal imposed on us,” he said. “If this is a system we have to live with then we are willing to compromise but it is only fair that the city pay for the pump.” Dan Irving is in favour of the switch from septic to a sewer line. “People need to take a second look at septic systems,” he said. “I am pushing for the acceptance of this to get rid of the septic tanks that are leaking into the lake. This is a no-brainer in my view.” The panel will bring the residents’ concerns to the council in an attempt to amend mandatory connection bylaws, draft a municipal fee bylaw, create a policy for domestic lake intake metering and explore changes to availability charges. “The system was designed to minimize the costs to the resident and it is a balancing act to find what will work for both parties,” said Ed Stranks, municipal technician for the city.
The Committee Regarding Okanagan Landing Sewer (CROLS) and City of Vernon staff held an open house to allow Area 2 residents to voice their concerns about the imminent connection to a low-pressure sewer line. The panel allowed residents to voice their concerns. The members will then bring those issues to the July 23 City Council meeting for further consideration. “The point of the session is to address concerns, develop a strategy and have it turned into council resolutions,” said Robert-Lee Dickinson, municipal engineer with the city. “Your constructive feedback will allow us to present this information to council in a formal matter that will result in the rewriting of bylaws.” Dickinson gave a visual presentation to clarify issues regarding the operation of the low-pressure system, onsite service requirements, current connection requirements, user fees, water meters, area regulations and incentives to connect.
About 100 Area 2 (106 houses located on the 2300 meter section of Okanagan Landing Road from 8167 to 8990) resident attended the meeting. The city will not force residents to connect to the system but if a septic system fails, repairs will not be permitted and connection will be mandatory. All properties that are adjacent to a sewer collection line must pay an “availability charge” of $47.79 per quarter per residence. Additional costs to residents will include a $90 plumbing permit, a $3,500 connection fee, optional water meter $170, onsite work $9,000-$15,000, for a cost of $13,000 to $19,000 per household. The total cost for all of the 106 households is $320,000. If homeowners do not use much water, there is the option to purchase a water meter and have the sewer billed in relation to the amount of water a household uses. “If you have a lower than normal usage and you feel you could save money with a meter, you have that option,” said Jeremy Kinch, manager of planning, development and engineering services for the city. “However, it is unlikely that you would save much, if any money because it would take a while to make up the cost of the meter.”
One of the citizens’ major concerns was that the policies described by the panel ignore the promises made to Landing residents at the time of the annexation in 1993. “There was no vote for this,” said CROLS committee member Kathleen Nolan. “Originally it was going to be a gravity-fed system and now it is chanced to a grinder fed system without a vote. We are being forced into this. “I think that the cost is way to high and I don’t see any other area of Vernon that is being forced into paying that out of their pocket.” Dickinson countered by telling the crowd that the panel has conducted research into payment methods used in other jurisdictions with similar systems. “The resounding reply from studies that we have done in relation to other areas is that it is easier and more cost effective for the pump to be owned by the property owner because if the owner is familiar with the system, they can handle it when it breaks down,” said Dickinson. Elaine Swyripa was concerned that residents of the Landing have attended many meetings and been told what the fees will entail, but the costs continue to escalate. “You are downloading the cost of this system on very few people and it hardly seems fair,” she said. Ghee Hwany agreed that residents are willing to pay for some costs but he felt that others seem outrageous.
“Before the night is over we need to send a message to council that we are people just like everybody else, we are sensible and we feel we are getting a bad deal imposed on us,” he said. “If this is a system we have to live with then we are willing to compromise but it is only fair that the city pay for the pump.” Dan Irving is in favour of the switch from septic to a sewer line. “People need to take a second look at septic systems,” he said. “I am pushing for the acceptance of this to get rid of the septic tanks that are leaking into the lake. This is a no-brainer in my view.” The panel will bring the residents’ concerns to the council in an attempt to amend mandatory connection bylaws, draft a municipal fee bylaw, create a policy for domestic lake intake metering and explore changes to availability charges. “The system was designed to minimize the costs to the resident and it is a balancing act to find what will work for both parties,” said Ed Stranks, municipal technician for the city.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
City, sewer opponents square off for another round
http://www.dailycourier.ca/ June 20
Residents worried about sewer costs should circle June 21 on their calendars as the City of Vernon is holding an open house in
conjunction with the Committee Regarding Okanagan Landing Sewer (CROLS). The meeting, set to take place at 6 p.m. at Paddlewheel Park Hall, promises to be a spirited affair as residents of Okanagan Landing Rd. will have a chance to express their feelings about the proposed costs of joining the city’s sewer line. “With the amount of money involved any of the people affected would be stupid not to attend,” said Alan Hill, an Okanagan Landing resident who has been involved with protesting the proposed costs. Residents are angry that they are being asked to pay a connection fee as well as to pay for the pumps needed to power the sewer line. The cost of purchasing and installing the pump can cost residents as much as $15,000 and the connection fee has been estimated at $3,500 per property, depending on lot size.
Residents worried about sewer costs should circle June 21 on their calendars as the City of Vernon is holding an open house in
conjunction with the Committee Regarding Okanagan Landing Sewer (CROLS). The meeting, set to take place at 6 p.m. at Paddlewheel Park Hall, promises to be a spirited affair as residents of Okanagan Landing Rd. will have a chance to express their feelings about the proposed costs of joining the city’s sewer line. “With the amount of money involved any of the people affected would be stupid not to attend,” said Alan Hill, an Okanagan Landing resident who has been involved with protesting the proposed costs. Residents are angry that they are being asked to pay a connection fee as well as to pay for the pumps needed to power the sewer line. The cost of purchasing and installing the pump can cost residents as much as $15,000 and the connection fee has been estimated at $3,500 per property, depending on lot size. According to Hill, former mayor Wayne McGrath had promised in a letter that “Landing residents would be allowed to connect to the sewer at no cost.” “To say we’re irate would be to put it very mildly,” said Hill. While he said he has no knowledge of the letter in question, Coun. Pat. Cochrane said that it was never council’s intention to allow residents to join the sewer system for free. “At the time, the policy was that the city would provide the ‘trunk’ line but the cost of connecting to the line would be up to residents,” said Cochrane, adding that “it seems that Mr. McGrath encouraged people to believe that there would be no cost.” Hill has said that this deception on the city’s behalf may have played a large role in the Okanagan Landing amalgamation vote. “The whole point is that the landing would never have amalgamated with the city if they didn’t come along and offer us these tidbits,” said Hill. “Councillors said ‘we’ll give you this and we’ll give you that’ but in the end they took the money from amalgamation and we got nothing.” Cochrane said that regardless of the costs involved, getting residents off a septic system and hooked up to the mainline should be a priority for environmental reasons. “There is no need in this day and age for sewage to go into the lakes. People at Sugar Lake have said that they don’t want treated water in their lake and we should be just as firm with Okanagan Lake.”
Okanagan Landing Sewer Committee Open House at Paddlewheel Hall June 21 at 6:00 PM.
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE:
Dear Mr. Mayor and Councilors,
In reference to the Open House scheduled by Municipal Technician Greg Thompson, I hope you will all consider attending so Area 2 residents can address their questions and concerns to people in authority, rather than to junior staff who were not part of the process that many feel is a reneging of Council’s promise of sewer facilities at no cost to residents.
I look forward to seeing you at the Open House at Paddlewheel Hall June 21 at 6:00 PM.
Yours truly,
Ken Dickson
Okanagan Landing Sewer Committee
In reference to the Open House scheduled by Municipal Technician Greg Thompson, I hope you will all consider attending so Area 2 residents can address their questions and concerns to people in authority, rather than to junior staff who were not part of the process that many feel is a reneging of Council’s promise of sewer facilities at no cost to residents.
I look forward to seeing you at the Open House at Paddlewheel Hall June 21 at 6:00 PM.
Yours truly,
Ken Dickson
Okanagan Landing Sewer Committee
(Posted with Permission)
Monday, January 08, 2007
Sewage plan panned (Video)
CHBC VIDEO
People in the Upper Shuswap are upset about plans for a sewage effluent outfall pipe where Sugar Lake empties into the Shuswap River. The proposal is part of a plan to redevelop and expand the Kokanee Lodge Resort. The sewage is to be treated on site and dumped into the lake. The proposal has many area residents signing petitions of opposition.
People in the Upper Shuswap are upset about plans for a sewage effluent outfall pipe where Sugar Lake empties into the Shuswap River. The proposal is part of a plan to redevelop and expand the Kokanee Lodge Resort. The sewage is to be treated on site and dumped into the lake. The proposal has many area residents signing petitions of opposition.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Committee holds closed-door meeting with council
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Nov 05 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Vernon council was cloistered behind closed doors Friday as legal action continues to hang over its head. A two-hour meeting was held with the Committee Regarding Okanagan Landing Sewer. It was held in private under provincial legislation regarding litigation or potential litigation. The committee has suggested in past that a municipal lawyer may be hired to study the city's handling of sewer extension in the Landing and advise on a class action suit. No details of the meeting were made available. "We're still very much in discussion. We made a presentation and the issue needs more time," said Don Gibbs, with the committee. The committee is concerned that the city's extension project hasn't involved residents and includes expensive sewer grinder pumps. However, its primary focus is the belief that the city agreed to cover sewer-related expenses when Okanagan Landing was annexed into Vernon in 1993.
"It goes back to the agreement made at the time of annexation, and coming up with a solution for both the residents and the city," said Mike Nolan, who lives in the Landing but says he's not a member of the committee. Council members were pleased with the tone of discussions. "We've agreed to keep talking," said Mayor Wayne Lippert. "They came up with some ideas and we have to take them back to staff," added Coun. Jack Gilroy. But Gilroy cautions that 
the committee's suggestions may not be accepted. "We're listening to them but the decisions we make impact the whole city and not just the Landing," he said. Back in September, council voted unanimously to send information to all Landing residents who have recently had sewer extended into their area or could in the future. An offer of a public meeting was also made if there are further concerns. Gilroy says Friday's session was partly a result of that offer, but admits it wasn't public because it was in-camera. "There will be public meetings. We want to talk to all residents and not just one group," he said.
Vernon council was cloistered behind closed doors Friday as legal action continues to hang over its head. A two-hour meeting was held with the Committee Regarding Okanagan Landing Sewer. It was held in private under provincial legislation regarding litigation or potential litigation. The committee has suggested in past that a municipal lawyer may be hired to study the city's handling of sewer extension in the Landing and advise on a class action suit. No details of the meeting were made available. "We're still very much in discussion. We made a presentation and the issue needs more time," said Don Gibbs, with the committee. The committee is concerned that the city's extension project hasn't involved residents and includes expensive sewer grinder pumps. However, its primary focus is the belief that the city agreed to cover sewer-related expenses when Okanagan Landing was annexed into Vernon in 1993.
"It goes back to the agreement made at the time of annexation, and coming up with a solution for both the residents and the city," said Mike Nolan, who lives in the Landing but says he's not a member of the committee. Council members were pleased with the tone of discussions. "We've agreed to keep talking," said Mayor Wayne Lippert. "They came up with some ideas and we have to take them back to staff," added Coun. Jack Gilroy. But Gilroy cautions that 
the committee's suggestions may not be accepted. "We're listening to them but the decisions we make impact the whole city and not just the Landing," he said. Back in September, council voted unanimously to send information to all Landing residents who have recently had sewer extended into their area or could in the future. An offer of a public meeting was also made if there are further concerns. Gilroy says Friday's session was partly a result of that offer, but admits it wasn't public because it was in-camera. "There will be public meetings. We want to talk to all residents and not just one group," he said.
Council must be open
Nov 05 2006 EDITORIAL http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
We would hope the City of Vernon holds to its offer of public meetings over sewer extensions and doesn't consider an in-camera session the route to take.
On Friday, mayor and council met behind closed doors for two hours with the self-described Committee Regarding Okanagan Landing Sewer. Officials claim those discussions had to be private because the committee has previously suggested it may hire a lawyer to advise on the feasibility of a class action suit.
While legal matters are one of the requirements for an in-camera meeting under provincial legislation, Friday's session was a bit of a stretch. All of these issues have been discussed publicly in the past whether in media articles or at the Sept. 25 open council meeting. But if council wants to hide behind the rules on this one, fine. But what is particularly troubling is the city offered Sept. 25 to host a public meeting if there are further concerns about how sewer has been extended in the Landing. One would hope that Friday's session isn't the city's response to that offer because only a privileged few were invited inside chambers. Ultimately, the extension of sewer into Okanagan Landing impacts the entire community - whether it is funding, the environment or fulfillment of apparent promises made prior to annexation in 1993. The decisions of council don't just affect the Landing but every single taxpayer and resident of the community, and, as such, broad-based information should be made available. It is time for an issue that's been around essentially for 13 years to be resolved once and for all. And that is going to require openness.
We would hope the City of Vernon holds to its offer of public meetings over sewer extensions and doesn't consider an in-camera session the route to take.
On Friday, mayor and council met behind closed doors for two hours with the self-described Committee Regarding Okanagan Landing Sewer. Officials claim those discussions had to be private because the committee has previously suggested it may hire a lawyer to advise on the feasibility of a class action suit.While legal matters are one of the requirements for an in-camera meeting under provincial legislation, Friday's session was a bit of a stretch. All of these issues have been discussed publicly in the past whether in media articles or at the Sept. 25 open council meeting. But if council wants to hide behind the rules on this one, fine. But what is particularly troubling is the city offered Sept. 25 to host a public meeting if there are further concerns about how sewer has been extended in the Landing. One would hope that Friday's session isn't the city's response to that offer because only a privileged few were invited inside chambers. Ultimately, the extension of sewer into Okanagan Landing impacts the entire community - whether it is funding, the environment or fulfillment of apparent promises made prior to annexation in 1993. The decisions of council don't just affect the Landing but every single taxpayer and resident of the community, and, as such, broad-based information should be made available. It is time for an issue that's been around essentially for 13 years to be resolved once and for all. And that is going to require openness.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
City Faces Court Challenge
CASTANET by Wayne Moore - Story: 22707October 03, 2006 / 2:00 pm
Now the lawyers are involved. Legal papers have been filed in BC Supreme Court challenging the terms of the lease between the city and Provincial Rental Housing Corporation for the site of the proposed Supportive Housing unit on St. Paul. The Coalition For A Safer Stronger Inner City Kelowna (formally the St-Paul Business Group) has hired the services of Bruce Melville, a Municipal Law specialist out of Vancouver. Melville says the action against the city has nothing to do with the process the city used in selecting the St. Paul site, but instead the lease. The coalition alleges city council entered into the lease without providing the required opportunity for public input as stipulated under the Community Charter. "The coalition also says there were a number of terms and conditions that city council had approved on April 24, 2006, for inclusion in that lease agreement," says Melville. "My client is alleging that those terms and conditions didn't make it into the lease council approved June 12." He says the lease was approved several days before the city published the notice as required under the Community Charter. Melville believes there is a reasonable chance for success, but cautions this is new legal ground. "I have not, in fact, found cases that are similar to this because the provisions we are relying on are found in the Community Charter, which is a relatively new piece of legislation." The Community Charter came into effect just two years ago. Coalition spokesman Jim Carta says taking legal action was a tough decision. "We are very fond of our city. We want to be able to work with our city in a spirit of unity --- the future of Kelowna looks bright," says Carta. Once the court papers are filed, Melville says the city has up to three weeks to respond. After that, a court date could be set at any time. The coalition would not divulge how much they are prepared to spend on the legal challenge, or how much this could cost taxpayers. Coalition representative Mel Kotler says they have a considerable slush fund to take this to the next couple of levels.
Now the lawyers are involved. Legal papers have been filed in BC Supreme Court challenging the terms of the lease between the city and Provincial Rental Housing Corporation for the site of the proposed Supportive Housing unit on St. Paul. The Coalition For A Safer Stronger Inner City Kelowna (formally the St-Paul Business Group) has hired the services of Bruce Melville, a Municipal Law specialist out of Vancouver. Melville says the action against the city has nothing to do with the process the city used in selecting the St. Paul site, but instead the lease. The coalition alleges city council entered into the lease without providing the required opportunity for public input as stipulated under the Community Charter. "The coalition also says there were a number of terms and conditions that city council had approved on April 24, 2006, for inclusion in that lease agreement," says Melville. "My client is alleging that those terms and conditions didn't make it into the lease council approved June 12." He says the lease was approved several days before the city published the notice as required under the Community Charter. Melville believes there is a reasonable chance for success, but cautions this is new legal ground. "I have not, in fact, found cases that are similar to this because the provisions we are relying on are found in the Community Charter, which is a relatively new piece of legislation." The Community Charter came into effect just two years ago. Coalition spokesman Jim Carta says taking legal action was a tough decision. "We are very fond of our city. We want to be able to work with our city in a spirit of unity --- the future of Kelowna looks bright," says Carta. Once the court papers are filed, Melville says the city has up to three weeks to respond. After that, a court date could be set at any time. The coalition would not divulge how much they are prepared to spend on the legal challenge, or how much this could cost taxpayers. Coalition representative Mel Kotler says they have a considerable slush fund to take this to the next couple of levels.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
107.5 KISS FM NEWSBRIEFS
1075 kissFM September 26-th, 2006
Council Still Ticked At Liquor Boss
Not good enough. That was the reaction of Vernon Council members to a letter from the boss of the BC Liquor Branch. General Manager Jay Chambers confirms what most already knew, that a new Signature Liquor Store will open in the Village Green Mall, while the two current public stores will close, likely by next spring. Chambers gives no reason for the move other than there's 12 privately operated liquor stores servicing the city. Councillor Barry Beardsell calls the letter 'insulting' and 'annoying', adding it doesn't explain why the city wasn't consulted. The city will be asking for more answers. Meantime, on another liquor-related matter, the Kalamalka Hotel has been given city approval to expand from its current 203 seats, to 267, providing the RCMP doesn't have any concerns.
Not good enough. That was the reaction of Vernon Council members to a letter from the boss of the BC Liquor Branch. General Manager Jay Chambers confirms what most already knew, that a new Signature Liquor Store will open in the Village Green Mall, while the two current public stores will close, likely by next spring. Chambers gives no reason for the move other than there's 12 privately operated liquor stores servicing the city. Councillor Barry Beardsell calls the letter 'insulting' and 'annoying', adding it doesn't explain why the city wasn't consulted. The city will be asking for more answers. Meantime, on another liquor-related matter, the Kalamalka Hotel has been given city approval to expand from its current 203 seats, to 267, providing the RCMP doesn't have any concerns.
Evely Honoured
There will be a short ceremony Saturday morning for a Vernon Auxilary Constable who died in the line of duty The ceremony for Glen Evely starts at 10AM and will take place in the main foyer of City Hall . A local businessman has purchased a plaque in Evely's honour which will be dedicated during the ceremony. Evely died in 2004 when a police cruiser he was in was hit by a stolen vehicle. Requests made to the committe that runs the National Canadian Police Officers Memorial to have Evely honoured there were recently turned down.
There will be a short ceremony Saturday morning for a Vernon Auxilary Constable who died in the line of duty The ceremony for Glen Evely starts at 10AM and will take place in the main foyer of City Hall . A local businessman has purchased a plaque in Evely's honour which will be dedicated during the ceremony. Evely died in 2004 when a police cruiser he was in was hit by a stolen vehicle. Requests made to the committe that runs the National Canadian Police Officers Memorial to have Evely honoured there were recently turned down.
Sewer Still Issue for Landing
The city of Vernon is making an effort to communicate better with disgruntled Okanagan Landing residents. Council got a letter from the Landing Sewer Committee asking for a meeting with elected officials and staff to talk about connection costs. The city has responded by sending a letter to all the affected residents, addressing the questions raised at a community meeting last month. Mayor Wayne Lippert says if there are any further questions, a meeting will be arranged between the residents, staff and Council. The Landing residents are outraged costs for pumps and grinders will range from 10 to 20 thousand dollars per home, equipment they feel should be covered by the city.
The city of Vernon is making an effort to communicate better with disgruntled Okanagan Landing residents. Council got a letter from the Landing Sewer Committee asking for a meeting with elected officials and staff to talk about connection costs. The city has responded by sending a letter to all the affected residents, addressing the questions raised at a community meeting last month. Mayor Wayne Lippert says if there are any further questions, a meeting will be arranged between the residents, staff and Council. The Landing residents are outraged costs for pumps and grinders will range from 10 to 20 thousand dollars per home, equipment they feel should be covered by the city.
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