Rural areas want to be able to hook on to Vernon’s sewer system without joining the city.
The Regional District of North Okanagan is requesting that the City of Vernon consider changing its policies to allow non-residents to connect to the sewer treatment plant without having to be annexed.
“We have people who want sewer but they don’t want to join the city,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director.
Macnabb believes such an initiative could be financially beneficial for the city as it would create additional revenue.
“It makes economic sense to allow the hook-ups if there is capacity at the plant,” he said, adding that not annexing the areas would mean the city wouldn’t be financially responsible for roads and other services.
“Osoyoos had a similar policy but it now allows people to hook up because they get revenue from the sewer.”
But it’s unlikely the city will embrace RDNO’s request.
“From a management perspective, it’s challenging to have properties outside of jurisdictions that get services,” said Buffy Baumbrough, a Vernon director.
“If you want city services, you have the option to join the city.”
Wayne Lippert, a Vernon director, is opposed to amending the policy.
“There are some sewer customers in the electoral areas already that don’t pay their bills and we can’t make them comply because they are outside of our jurisdiction,” he said.
“It’s against the law to shut them off (of sewer) but we can’t make them comply and pay.”
Lippert says the city also has more control over what businesses and residents put into the sewer system if they are located within Vernon’s boundaries.
