Coldstream politicians won’t get a personal presentation when it comes to a multi-million-dollar water plan.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee decided Thursday not to accept Coldstream’s invitation to send the general manager of engineering and chief financial officer to a council meeting to provide details on the master water plan.
“Participating members should be able to have a delegation from the regional district,” said Gyula Kiss, a Coldstream councillor and GVAC director.
However, the rest of Kiss’ colleagues disagreed.
“If Coldstream wishes a delegation and then Vernon council and then Area C residents and we’re all asking the same questions, is that a good use of (staff) time?” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director.
Juliette Cunningham, GVAC chairperson, encourages elected officials to raise issues regarding the master water plan, but to do it through the upcoming public awareness campaign.
“You can ask questions but then the answers will be posted on the website for the public to access,” she said.
In November, Greater Vernon residents will be asked to borrow up to $70 million for the plan, which includes $26.5 million for filtration at the Duteau Creek treatment facility.
“There will be a big campaign from September to November,” said Zee Marcolin, Greater Vernon Water manager.
“We are working on a campaign accessible to the public.”
Marcolin hopes to cover all concerns regarding the water plan.
“We have 200 questions that we have come up with and we’re working on them. A big one is how will this affect their (customers) rates,” she said.
