Subject to Petition Against process for Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant reaches mid-way point

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2020

Two weeks remain in the Subject to Petition Against process for Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant (RVWTP) and property owners in the Local Area Service (LAS) are reminded to check the mail for their information packages.

Property owners who have not yet received their packages should call 778-797-2250.

The Council Initiative – Subject to Petition Against is a legislative process occurring through Oct. 2, 2020. If users in the LAS agree with the recommended long-term borrowing of up to $23.5 million over 25 years, they do nothing. Any applicable property owners who oppose long-term borrowing must sign the petition against form and submit it to Municipal Hall before 4 p.m. Oct. 2, 2020.

It is not about whether the RVWTP will be built, it is about the best option to pay for the water service.

The recommended long-term borrowing option would result in a $34 increase to future plant users that would be spread out over two years:

• Users currently pay $116 per year today (included in the flat water charge)
• Users will pay $150 per year by 2022, an increase of $34 over two years
• That annual payment of $150 per year will cover the design, construction and financing of the plant over the long-term borrowing period.

Canada and British Columbia have provided a $41 million grant and the City is using water reserves and development cost charge contributions to help cover construction costs, leaving up to $23.5 million in required borrowing. Long-term borrowing will result in $150 being removed from annual water bills in 2022 and being moved to a parcel tax of $150 per year for 25 years. Eligible property owners would have the option to defer this tax under the provincial tax deferment program. Property owners would have the option to pay a one-time lump sum of approximately $2,815, in 2022, instead of the annual payment.

If the City receives sufficient petition against, Council will consider short-term borrowing, which will result in a fee of $600 annually per property for five years or a one-time, lump sum payment option of approximately $2,815.

Learn more about the process at westkelownacity.ca/rvwtp. Sign up to receive e-updates throughout the project at westkelownacity.ca/subscribe.