– Water & sewer services for 1,200-unit development considered –

(OSOYOOS TIMES — September 19, 2007) –

The Town says it plans to meet with both representatives of the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen and Willow Beach developers in upcoming weeks, to discuss the future of the resort housing mammoth planned for the north end of Lake Osoyoos.
It's going to have an impact on the town, some positive and some negative, says Osoyoos Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Helen Koning, reiterating the development is to hold 1,200 units.
Koning says this raises some infrastructural questions, especially concerning water and sewer provisions, and how they will be provided to the site.
Developers purchased Willow Beach Campground in the spring, buying the 70-acre property for $23 million. The land is part of the RDOS.
At first it appeared that developers might be looking towards the Town to supply water to the site, until well-drilling indicated there was sufficient groundwater there.
It is the practice of the Town not to provide water and sewer outside of its boundaries, Koning says. It has been proposed to the developer that they come into the Town.rnHowever, Willow Beach developers say it is their intention to remain part of the RDOS, constructing on-site water and sewer facilities, facilities that could possibly service parts of Osoyoos and the RDOS as well.
We are glad to see co-operation between the Town and the Regional District that can take advantage of the opportunity of Willow Beach to make significant contribution of $5-10 million to infrastructure that will be of benefit to the whole area, says Len Chaston, a development manager for the project. Chaston says the estimated cost of water and sewer facilities for the site is between $5 million and $10 million.
That's great, says Mayor John Slater. But who's going to run it? I think these are the questions that need to be addressed. I don't think the public has an appetite for a privately-run sewer facility.
All three parties say there are still several details to be worked out.
Because of jurisdictional issues and because it's outside the Town boundaries, we don't have a lot to say at the moment, Koning says. She adds some of the Town's other concerns include roads and fire services.
The CAO expects the meeting to take place early next month.