Dr.  Anna Warwick-Sears – CAO Okanagan Basin Water Board

Concern expressed about the BC Water Sustainability Act. Large users of water from aquifers are licensed but small domestic wells are registered. There lies the problem – BC government not that interested in the process and much more IMPORTANCE needs to be given to this. Drought a key word in Warwick-Sears presentation as a reference to a “dry” year 2015. More planning is necessary, she says, and staff have been hired to help municipalities with “drought” planning and plans. Anna Warwick-Sears represents funding from three Okanagan regional districts and she wants to know more about future growth, water demand, water science and the capabilities of the watershed to supply both domestic and agricultural water.

Dan Ashton, MLA Penticton-Summerland

There is more demand for infrasturce repair funds than monies available from senior levels of government. It demands that municipal/regional government areas work together to impress upon government on what projects should proceed. Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit grilled Ashton on job creation – highlighting different  stats by Federal or Provincial governments on employment/unemployment. Ashton stated this is a retirement area but jobs are needed to bring families here to keep schools open.  Ashton says the amount  of housing being developed in the South Okanagan is unprecedented in recent memory. MLA Ashton says the trades are having difficulty keeping up with the demand for workers.

 

Directors Schafer and Hovanes – Oliver

Concerned about milfoil growth at Vaseux Lake ; Terry Schafer: the complaints came from residents of my area in Area C but the place for launching a harvester is in Area D. Residents on the lake believe that part of the problem is the new sewer treatment plant at OK Falls. Area D Director Tom Siddon says he wants the milfoil clipped at Vaseaux Lake but says evidence doesn’t support the theory that the plant is the problem.

Siddon says the water chain begins in Vernon with various jurisdictions spewing untreated water into the lake and river systems.

Diretor Hovanes is concerned about a 10-15 million dollar plan to repair a syphon at Gallagher Lake.

How will that stack up against other demands for sewer extensions in Kaleden, Heritage Hills, road improvements, building repairs and municipal infrastructure upgrades.