Water for residents, water for business, water in general.
Water has become one of the top priorities for the Township of Spallumcheen in 2015.
“It’s the new goal,” said Mayor Janice Brown, settling in for her second full term as mayor of the township after winning the Nov. 15 municipal election.
“Water, water, water. We need water for our residents, we need to join with the City of Armstrong’s system and we need water in the southeast sector to attract businesses.”
Former township administrator Greg Betts is under contract to help with everything water related for six months.
That includes hooking residents up to Armstrong’s system, and helping water districts attain drinkable water.
One of the big issues that cropped up in 2014 was the Steele Springs Water District testing for high levels of nitrates in its water source.
“That may work itself out if we have the agreement with Armstrong and they could hook up to the city’s system,” said Brown. “We’re working with them and Interior Health on that. We need to get safe drinking water to Steele Springs.”
The township has money in place for an engineering study on the Steele Springs source and Brown vows to work with the water district to help them get grant funding.
Spallumcheen has also applied for new grant funding for roads which, if successful, would mean a complete upgrade of Pleasant Valley Road in 2016.
“We’ve got people out there that would like water,” said Brown. “When we’re doing the road, it’s a good time to put pipes in. Everything intertwines with each other.”
While water is high on the priority list for Brown and her council to discuss, the first thing out of the gate in 2015 to be talked about is the budget.
She said the township will spend a lot more time on the financial plan as it tries to recoup financial losses from Bill 8.
The township raised the Class 9 farm rate by more than double in 2014 to counteract the effects of 2013’s Bill 8 where farmers enjoyed $120,000 of tax relief.
Prior to Bill 8, if a resident had farm and out buildings in the operation of Class 9 land, farmers were given an assessment exemption to a maximum of $50,000.
Bill 8 removed the flat rate of $50,000, going, instead, to a rate that was either going to be the greater number of up to $50,000 or 87.5 per cent of the exemption.
Bill 8 cost the township more than $120,000 in farm tax revenue.
“Obviously what we did last year that we thought was a good fit wasn’t a particularly good fit,” said Brown. “We’re going to try to be creative, possibly cut some services and try to recover that money without putting the burden on the few older farmers or retired farmers that don’t have the income to cover it.”
Also high on the priority list for the township in 2015 is development in the southeast sector and working with the city on the joint firehall expansion project.
For Brown, her second term is aided by the fact five councillors from her first term have returned.
Newcomer Christine LeMaire replaces Rachael Ganson, who did not seek re-election, while Christine Fraser, Todd York, Andrew Casson, Joe Van Tienhoven and Ed Hanoski return for a second term, which is four years in length.
“I am privileged to have such a good committed council,” said Brown in her inaugural meeting address. “I thank everyone for putting their names in to run for this new four-year term. Your commitment and contribution is very much appreciated.”
Brown said her council will create “the highest, grandest vision” for the township.
“We will set ambitious goals, set clear expectations and be courageous with tough decisions,” she vowed. “Then we will let every step move us in the right direction.”
