Water Matters:

Directional Drill under river at Buchanan Road

Steve Underwood, Engineer writes: A budget of about $150 thousand has been set to auger (trenchless underground) a hole under the river for a water main to connect the new Buchanan Rd well to the other side and the homes that will soon get “twinned potable” water.

There is a possibility of the project failing due to the type of gravel under the river. One option is an expensive pedestrian crossing of the river to carry a pipe or for a hanging pipe structure. Councillors asked for an estimated cost of the options before proceeding.

Blacksage Road Chlorine Upgrade

Steve Underwood, Engineer writes: That quotes on a job to chlorinate water in the Blacksage Road area have come in on this project on the high side – approximately $450 thousand. Staff reviewed all the tenders and the various options and have found a more inexpensive way of completing the “contact time” project. It is hoped that the new method might cost about a quarter of a million dollars with no compensation needed for traversing other property to complete the job. General approval was given and Council will review the costs with contractors.

Oliver’s New Zoning Bylaw – Contract planner Chris Garrish reviewed the new document (the 2nd such Zoning plan in a couple of years) with council and after some brief discussion was told to proceed and bring before councillors for adoption. The public will have a chance to review the changes as well.

Dwight Brown – request for letter to BC Government on ALR changes. The government is conducting a core review of the Agriculture Land Commission and has yet to announce any major change. Council was being asked to talk to the government about preserving the status quo. Council has opted to wait before taking a stand on the issue.

Council appointments:

Larry Schwartzenberger – Emergency and Protective Services, Children and Youth, Airport Committee

Maureen Doerr – Oliver Business Association, SO Chamber of Commerce, Okanagan Regional Library

Councillor Mattes – Oliver and District Heritage Society, Alternate Municipal Director RDOS, Airport Committee, Economic Opportunities

Councillor Bennest – Oliver Parks and Recreation Society, Economic Opportunities, Accessible Communities

Mayor Hovanes – Multi-Cultural Services, School District #53, Restorative Justice, Sister City, Via 97 Highway, Municipal Director RDOS,

Councillor Miller – Water Association of BC

Councillor Machial, – Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Committee

December 9th is the last meeting of the year – In January council will be tackling the general budget – the adoption of all water and sewer rates has been finalized.