Water plan release debated

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 10, 2013 1:00 AM
Greater Vernon residents will see how millions of dollars are spent on water upgrades but not yet. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has received the draft master water plan but it cannot be made public until it goes before the Regional District of North Okanagan board, GVAC’s parent body. “Once the board adopts this, it will be released,” said Trafford Hall, administrator. However, there’s been a push by some committee members to make the report public immediately. “Let’s put it online as soon as possible. The more eyes you have on this, the better,” said director Bob Spiers. Director Gyula Kiss also wants the report issued. “The people using it are the people paying for it,” he said of utility customers. But, ultimately, it was decided to hold off on public release because some plan details are still being finalized. “It’s not good to send out things to the public that are not complete,” said Hall. “We have a little more work to do. There is nothing secret about it. This is a $100 million project.” Director Jim Garlick favours holding off on public release until all information is pulled together. “This is one of the bigger items we have to follow the rules on,” he said.