A domestic water line connecting the District of Summerland to the nearby rural community of Faulder could be in place by this November.
A revised memorandum of understanding, which includes a $320,000 “buy-in” fee, is scheduled to come before Summerland council this evening. The agreement gained unanimous support from Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen directors on Thursday. A binding contract must be in place by Oct. 31.
The buy-in fee represents a contribution by the 80 Faulder property owners towards the twinning of agricultural and domestic water systems in Summerland, as well as recent upgrades to its existing water system.
The $1.3-million project will provide a permanent solution to Faulder‘s long-standing water problems.
Andrew Reeder, manager of engineering services for the RDOS, said the local aquifer level has been dropping steadily and could soon be out of reach of the community well.
“We‘ve got until the spring of 2011 now, before that aquifer goes below the point where the new pump can handle it,” Reeder said. “That‘s our ultimate end date Đ Mother Nature‘s deadline.”
The new water line to Faulder is expected to be in place by November.
Coun. Ken Roberge, one of two Summerland representatives on the RDOS board, said the municipality wanted further details outlined in the revised agreement, but had no problem with the concept itself.
Roberge agreed it is seen as a win-win situation, noting Faulder residents are closely associated with Summerland.
“We wanted to provide the service when they‘re in this much need,” he said.
“Certainly, Summerland was prepared to move forward because it satisfied our criteria that the service was able to be provided, we are in a position to provide it, and it would be - if I can put it - marginally profitable.”
Faulder residents will pay one-third of the total costs, with the remainder to be obtained through $942,000 in federal and provincial government grants.
