Fixing water-supply system could cost up to $15 million

Oliver town council later this month will be formally presented with four options for repairing or replacing a damaged portion of its watersupply system.

Last year at this time, a large rock fall occurred at Gallagher’s Lake that significantly damaged the siphon that brings irrigation water to agricultural properties in the town of Oliver, rural Oliver area plus the Osoyoos Indian reserve.

Since that time, a short-term repair solution was found and to date $331,000 has been spent.

The provincial government has provided $525,000 to assist in the cost to repair the siphon, however, the town cannot access those funds until it has expended $475,000 towards repairs.

“Our consultant is bringing forward an assessment of four options for making a permanent repair,” chief administrative officer Cathy Cowan said at the conclusion of Monday’s council meeting.

“Options will include repairing it where it is now, putting in a line through Gallagher Lake, going along the highway or tunnelling through the mountain. Those options are all being looked at, the costs involved, along with the pros and cons will be presented to council.

“We will also be setting up meetings with the province, as the repair costs for any of the options are large and the town will need assistance to be able to undertake the project.”

The cost, depending on what council chooses, will range between $6 million and $15 million.

Cowan said the town is not eligible for an insurance claim.

“This is an area of the canal that has, over the years, had damage to it. It’s not a stable mountain. You can put $6 million into fixing it at its current location and then turn around and have to fix it again. It’s not a case of if it’s going to happen but when it’s going to happen.”

The options will go to council at a meeting tentatively set for 4 p.m. on Jan. 30.

It’s not a case of if it’s going to happen but when it’s going to happen. CAO Cathy Cowan