Irrigation canal evaluation ordered
A complete evaluation of the condition of the vital irrigation canal will be undertaken shortly, following approval from town council on Monday.
The $105,000 contract was awarded to Allnorth Consultants to look at “all canal components: concrete flume, intakes, pumps, flumes, siphons, piped sections and hydraulic structures,” according to a report to council.
Following the inspection, Allnorth will provide a report outlining current issues and a list of recommendations for “short, medium and long term priorities with cost estimates.”
The Oliver irrigation system provides vital water to agriculture in large part of the southern Okanagan Valley. It begins at McIntyre Dam and extends through Gallagher Lake, across the Osoyoos Indian Band lands and eventually to near the north end of Osoyoos Lake.
Eastlink put on notice over council coverage
A frustrated Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger on Monday urged council to give Eastlink an ultimatum regarding TV coverage of town council meetings.
Until earlier this year, Eastlink provided live and taped-delay coverage of regular and special meetings of council.
Since that time, the town has been working at getting a replacement and Eastlink has indicated it would provide it.
However, there has been no visible progress. “They’ve dropped the ball,” said Councillor Mo Doerr on Monday.
Councillor Jack Bennest pointed out that the cable company is required by CRTC regulation to provide local government coverage.
Council agreed to give gave Easklink until the end of September to act. After that it will seek alternatives, perhaps an online service similar to that used by Osoyoos town council.
Dogs allowed at Rotary Beach
The “No Dogs” rule at Rotary Beach will be lifted for three hours on September 9 to allow for the annual Doggie Swim.
Parks and recreation manager Natalie Korsovetski told council Monday that the extra strain on staff and facilities prompted the move to the Tuc-El-Nuit Lake beach from its traditional site at the Oliver Pool.
Council agreed to order the bylaw department to cease enforcement of the no dogs in the park rule for the 3-to-6 pm period on September 9.