With the taps about to be turned on at the new water treatment plant, things appear to be looking up for Sicamous.
The benefits of at long last having access to clean, potable water (as certified by Interior Health) directly from the tap cannot be underestimated. First and foremost is the fact people, particularly those with health concerns, no longer have to boil their water prior to consuming it. This seemingly simple convenience that so many others might take for granted is a big deal for Sicamous.
Obviously, having clean water makes the community more attractive. It’s good for business, for tourism, for real estate. It’s good for the district, which can do away with water-quality related tax exemptions.
It’s just good.
But wait, there’s more.
The district is working on upgrading the sewage treatment plant. That will take a while still but, when it’s complete, that will be another major bit of infrastructure off the district’s to-do list.
The nine-month labour market survey has been completed, and provides valuable data for the community, showing what it needs to do and pursue in order to foster needed economic development. This will likely be useful to the economic development society the district is in the process of establishing.
There’s an official community plan review process underway. Those involved in this process have already come up with ideas and concepts for the town centre that are both exciting and inspiring. And that’s just one piece of the overall “vision” that’s starting to take shape.
Meanwhile, relationships continue to be built upon and fostered with other local governments such as the Splatsin, and organizations like the Shuswap Trail Alliance. These partnerships will undoubtedly prove mutually beneficial for everyone involved.
Yes, there are costs involved with these projects – there always are – but, ideally, the community will start to see and feel them paying off in 2016 and long into the future.
