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.”