Spallumcheen is ringing alarm bells about smart meters.
Council wants assurances from the provincial government that B.C. Hydro smart meters do not cause fires, don’t create harmful radiation and aren’t prone to inaccuracy causing overbilling.
“Smart meters have been removed from Saskatchewan and some communities have refused them altogether,” said Coun. Ed Hanoski.
Council also wants to know if the meters are approved by the Underwriters Laboratory and Canadian Safety Standards.
Until these issues are clarified, council says residents who refuse a smart meter should be able to access an analog meter.
Council business continues
Spallumcheen council will continue to meet even after the election.
Staff had proposed cancelling the Nov. 17 regular meeting and the Nov. 24 committee of the whole because they will fall after the Nov. 15 election.
“A lot of communities across the province are not having meetings after elections. The rationale is with planning and land use reports, the previous council started a process and the new council can renegotiate a process,” said Cindy Graves, deputy corporate officer.
However, a majority of the current council decided to continue with their duties until the new council becomes official in early December.
“We’ve had them both before and it hasn’t caused much trouble,” said Coun. Todd York.
Coun. Andrew Casson opposed continuing with the meetings.
“People not re-elected may not feel confident voting (on issues) on behalf of voters,” he said.
Traffic concerns pushed
Spallumcheen officials used the recent Union of B.C. Municipalities convention to raise awareness about outstanding transportation issues.
Council met with Transportation Minister Todd Stone on a number of issues, including access to businesses along Highway 97A.
“Traffic is getting worse and worse,” said Coun. Joe Van Tienhoven.
Talks also revolved around the intersection at the McLeod subdivision and proposed four-laning of Highway 97A to Enderby.
“They are definitely interested in working with us on a transportation plan,” said Van Tienhoven.
