Lake Country Discusses Water, Infrastructure Management and Active Living with Provincial Ministries

The District of Lake Country Council had another busy and productive day at UBCM in Vancouver.

In a meeting with the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Ida Chong, Council discussed the need for infrastructure grants as the issue of maintenance and replacement of water, sewer and roads is becoming urgent in the community. The Minister assured Council that if the Federal Government initiates new infrastructure programs the Province will match their contribution and support the programs. The UBCM Gas Tax fund is currently still available to municipalities and the District has submitted an application to fund the upgrade and expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is almost at full capacity. The Wastewater Treatment Plant project is also sponsored by the Regional District of the Central Okanagan as the plant also functions as the regional septic facility.

Council also talked about the need for a new Active Living Grant Program with Minister Chong, who noted that past programs such as the Senior Parks Equipment program were initiated by the Province. Notwithstanding the fact that there are no current programs available, the Minister encouraged Council to write a letter requesting that the Province consider creating new Active Living opportunities, especially in view of the aging population.

Following the meeting with Minister Chong, Council met with the Minister of Health, Mike De Jong, to address issues of water infrastructure and coordination of water standards throughout the Province. The Minister acknowledged the need for coordination of departments at the provincial level in dealing with water policy and issues and reiterated that grant programs could only be available through federal initiatives. He added that his ministry is willing to work with the District to find solutions that can be effective and less costly in order to provide the best options for all residents.

“It was a very positive day” said Mayor Baker, “we felt that progress was made, especially with respect to the implementation of our Water Master Plan, which, without the assistance of the Province, cannot be fully sustainable.”