Another Spallumcheen water district is contemplating dissolution.
The Lansdowne Water District has applied to the township to begin the process of dissolution after Spallumcheen and the City of Armstrong announced in October 2014 a signed memorandum of understanding in a joint effort to provide long-term potable water to both communities.
“We are optimistic that the City of Armstrong and the Township of Spallumcheen will continue to cooperate and work together on this water strategy, bringing it to fruition for the common good,” wrote Alf Bennett, chairman of the trustees of the Lansdowne Water District.
The trustees recommended beginning the process of dissolution to its users at their 2014 annual general meeting.
“We believe this is a work-in-progress and are prepared to work with all parties involved to a satisfactory conclusion,” said Bennett, who added the Lansdowne system “is in very good shape and are financially sound.”
The district did express concerns about the proper handling of its assets if dissolution occurs.
“We are trying to make sure that everything is done properly,” said Spallumcheen Mayor Janice Brown, noting that former administrator Greg Betts has been retained on a contract basis and is working with water districts looking to join with the city.
Spallumcheen council unanimously accepted the Lansdowne application, though Coun. Andrew Casson excused himself from the discussions as he lives in the water district.
A special joint committee will be formed to determine the acceptable conditions of dissolution for submission to the province. That committee will prepare a joint report and will review a response from the government.
As part of the Lansdowne application, an engineering assessment will be done of the waterworks system.
There are 14 water districts in the township and the city supplies water to six water districts and about 35 single residences.
In terms of requests/expressions of interest, the township has been formally contacted by four water districts, including Lansdowne, and, as initiated by council, is proceeding with three other specified areas.
