Town of Oliver Rural Water Improvements Nearing Completion
Final phase of project receives Government of Canada funding
February 28, 2013
Oliver, British Columbia – The Town of Oliver will complete the third and final phase of its Rural Water Twinning Project thanks to $1,243,000 from the Government of Canadathrough the Gas Tax Fund transfer. This project, which started in 2006, will provide potable water to approximately 1,500 residents and many businesses in the rural areas surrounding Oliver.
“Our Government is pleased to help complete this important project to extend the supply of safe and reliable water in this region,” said Dan Albas, MP for Okanagan—Coquihalla. “Investing in clean water infrastructure is an investment in the health of local residents, job creation and long-term economic growth in our Okanagan communities.”
Oliver’s rural water system, which was developed in the 1920s, required significant upgrades. The Rural Water Twinning Project will provide a parallel water pipeline grid to supply year-round, potable water to all rural customers. Once complete, this project will remove the Town’s need to operate under water quality advisories several months each year. The total budget for this final phase is estimated at $1,864,000.
“The Water Twinning project is the cornerstone of health and safety improvements for our rural water customers,” says Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes. “After seven years of phased design and construction, having funding in place to finally complete this project is great news for current residents and future generations.”
“It’s often challenging for local governments to cover the costs of large infrastructure projects, like this final phase of Oliver’s Rural Water Twinning Project,” said Bill Bennett,
Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “This Gas Tax funding contributes significantly to the completion of this project that will greatly enhance water quality to address the needs of local residents and to guard their health.”
“There are many communities in BC with infrastructure that has exceeded its shelf life,” said Union of British Columbia Municipalities President Mary Sjostrom.
“I am delighted to see the Gas Tax Fund support the water service shared by Town of Oliver with residents in the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.”