The above excerpts are from the recent "Waterlines". It provides a brief update of the of the Greater Vernon Master Water Plan (what is left of it). Since many people may have forgotten the issues relating to the plan I am providing a quick-and-dirty review for the water consumers of Coldstream.
The introduction boasts of a huge approval rate for the borrowing of $35 million to finance the project. To refresh your memory please examine the original plan used to promote the project.
In addition read the article attached reporting on the successful referendum. Note the turnout of voters: 3,920 of the eligible 33,400 or 11.7%. "Yes" votes numbered 3,189 or 9.5%. Speculations of why the low turnout is discussed in the article as well but it was generally believed that it was due to the threat that if not approved the politicians would go ahead anyway and charge very high water rates for a couple of years. It was an idle threat, to date only $13 million was borrowed and the plan is still in a state of flux.
What is missing from the report is an accounting of funds - our funds. Also, there is no explanation for the time line shifts (see above scan). Compare the time lines used to sell the project to the actual time lines in this report. The only projects completed on time are in Vernon where the water quality is now 99.99% safe while the rest of us are still waiting. Hence the devolution of Greater Vernon Water, Vernon is pulling out of the water distribution part of the agreement leaving the whole project in limbo. That is also missing from the report.
It is obvious that our new Council will have its work cut out for them!
The introduction boasts of a huge approval rate for the borrowing of $35 million to finance the project. To refresh your memory please examine the original plan used to promote the project.
In addition read the article attached reporting on the successful referendum. Note the turnout of voters: 3,920 of the eligible 33,400 or 11.7%. "Yes" votes numbered 3,189 or 9.5%. Speculations of why the low turnout is discussed in the article as well but it was generally believed that it was due to the threat that if not approved the politicians would go ahead anyway and charge very high water rates for a couple of years. It was an idle threat, to date only $13 million was borrowed and the plan is still in a state of flux.What is missing from the report is an accounting of funds - our funds. Also, there is no explanation for the time line shifts (see above scan). Compare the time lines used to sell the project to the actual time lines in this report. The only projects completed on time are in Vernon where the water quality is now 99.99% safe while the rest of us are still waiting. Hence the devolution of Greater Vernon Water, Vernon is pulling out of the water distribution part of the agreement leaving the whole project in limbo. That is also missing from the report.
It is obvious that our new Council will have its work cut out for them!
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