It was a smaller and quieter audience that met with regional district officials at an Olalla town hall meeting held at the Elk’s Hall in Keremeos on Saturday, November 3.
Chief Adminstrative Officer Bill Newell made a presentation explaining regional district governance, outlining the board’s voting procedures, the RDOS’ financing obligations and restrictions with respect to how tax money is collected and spent.
“It is a complex system of government,” Newell admitted, assuring the 25 or so residents present that “ your elected representative (Area “G” Director Angelique Wood) will figure out how to get your issues through the system.”
The Olalla Water Advisory Board was announced during the meeting, consisting of Stan Bobowski, Bev Fraser, Evin Hartfield and John Havlik.
RDOS Public Works Manager Doug French discussed secondary water treatment options available to Olalla residents.
The four options presented were costed as follows:
– UV system ($120)
– Chemical disinfection ($160)
– New well ($100)
– $100,000 improvement ($40)
The costs reflected in brackets above would be annual increases to residents water bills. The UV treatment option was presented and discussed as the most desireable method of treating Olalla water in order to eliminate further “boil water” advisories.
Other discussion arose surrounding the annual flooding issues surrounding Keremeos Creek in the Olalla area.
Bear Aware Coordinator for the RDOS, Zoe Kirk was also on hand with a Bear Aware display. She was also handing out numerous water conservation items provided by Fortis BC and partners. Low flow shower heads, aerating faucet attachments and shower timers continue to be available from Zoe by calling 250-492-0237 or 250-492-4110.
Joe Littlefield concluded the meeting with a slide show presentation put together by the “Friends of Olalla” committee.
