Skaha Estates may hook up with OK Falls sewer
Okanagan Weekend
The first step has been taken towards bringing the Skaha Estates area into the Okanagan Falls sewer system.
The Regional District OkanaganSimilkameen awarded the pre-design contract to consultant Tetra Tech Canada Inc. for $337,500, Thursday.
Tom Siddon, director of Area D director (Okanagan Falls, Kaleden, Apex), raised concerns about taxpayers in his area bearing the cost.
“If you lived in Kaleden or Apex, you may have some views on whether you should be paying for a new sewer system for Skaha Estates,” Siddon said. “I have some reservation there, but I do believe we have to proceed with this.”
The regional district is footing the bill for one-third of the pre-design, on the word of the administrators of the Building Canada Small Communities Fund.
If the service is not established, the district would be on the hook for roughly $112,000 — even if the project is not supported by a referendum.
Siddon was careful to point out the agreement with upper levels of government is verbal only and not in writing.
He also noted the pre-design represents nearly a quarter of the 18 per cent tax hike his constituents are facing after the RDOS tentatively approved the 2018 budget, Thursday.
“That has to be explained to the electorate, many of whom have nothing to do with Skaha Estates,” Siddon said.