Water Devolution -- Kate Bouey, SUN FM

The dispute over Greater Vernon Water devolution is back in the hands of the BC government, according to Mayor Wayne Lippert. This comes after an arbitrator's decision against Vernon's partial withdrawal from the system. Lippert says Vernon wanted a full withdrawal in the first place.

He says the city is now looking to Victoria to decide whether Vernon can fully withdrawal from the water management system. Lippert acknowledges this could be a slow process. He also points out that the regional district can now remove a big item $300,000from the 2010 budget.

Coldstream Councillor Pat Cochrane says it's a "victory for Coldstream.'' Cochrane hopes all sides will continue talks to work out their problems. Lippert says no group -- except Vernon -- has brought any solutions to the table.

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Interesting comments by Mayor Lippert. Mayor Garlick presented an excellent proposal on behalf of Coldstream but, I suppose, if one chooses to ignore that proposal than it is only Vernon that "has brought any solutions to the table".

Here is Vernon's proposed solution:

"Director Lippert advised that the City of Vernon had discussed the possibility of weighted participant voting on Greater Vernon Water matters as an alternative to water devolution. He further advised that the City wished to hear from other participants in the service before taking a position on the matter" (Minutes of the September 16th, 2009 NORD Meeting).

In other words, Vernon would have graciously agreed to discontinue the devolution process if they had full control of the utility. Obviously, the proposal was unacceptable to the rest of the participants.

It is my personal opinion that the Minister would not agree to full withdrawal due to the complications involved with such withdrawal.

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