One of the biggest priorities of Rural Area Director Allan Patton is to get a sewer to the people, homes and development at Gallagher Lake but it won’t be easy. Presently there are about 500 residents but that will grow to 650 as development continues.

About 40 people from the area showed for a public meeting at the Oliver Community Hall to hear about plans and costs of doing business. And the plans do cost money. Patton says an annual fee of $855 is too much in comparison to municipal costs and on top of that someone has to pay about $11,000 for each SFDE (single family dwelling equivalent).

First the planning must be completed with all costs determined but more importantly will government and local residents support it. That’s the battle says Patton.

The sewering will go to the OIB’s new plant nearby and water service will be offered as well. Some of the development at Gallagher Lake including Deer Park Estates wants fire flow water to cut the cost of insurance. A whiskey distillery wants an outlet for industrial quality discharge. All challenges in an area without any co-ordinated utility system.

(all pictures taken at Deer Park Estates – including present water and sewer utility building and fire hydrant near entrance)