Council ponders irrigation dilemma
Monday, 26 December 2011 00:28
A vineyard owner’s request for irrigation service outside the Town’s boundaries has put council in a dilemma.
Does it provide the service or risk over-capacity in System 7?
That’s the question council is struggling with as it considers the request by Sukhi Dhaliwal of Rockpit Vineyard.
Dhaliwal said he has tried unsuccessfully to drill three wells on his property on 306th Avenue south of Oliver. He noted his vineyard only needs 70 US gallons per minute since he is setting up a drip system.
Dhaliwal said the Town of Oliver does not need to upgrade any pumps or supply main to accommodate his request.
“The Town of Oliver should support the local farmers instead of making them pay for something which is their right,” he stated.
The vineyard owner pointed out that day demands in System 7 have been trending downward since 2002 because of property owners converting their operations from tree fruits to vineyards.
“If the Town of Oliver cannot meet and satisfy the current requirements of farmers, then how do they expect growth in Oliver?” Dhaliwal asked.
Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell acknowledged the downward trend in water consumption in System 7, where traditional crops have been replaced with grapes. But there have been days when the peak demand has exceeded what the Town can provide (4000 gallons per minute) in that system, he said.
If the trends goes back up, we may be in dire straits.”
Goodsell said he wouldn’t want to allocate more acreage in that system until further investigation.
He suggested a couple of options, including a moratorium on new services in System 7 because of over-capacity during peak day demands. The other option is establishing a capital cost charge to recover the funds and putting the money in reserve until upgrades are needed.
Water councillor Rick Machial said the over-capacity issue concerns him.
“This is outside our boundaries. We don’t have an obligation to provide water outside our boundaries. We shouldn’t be doing this.”
Machial said the Town’s first responsibility is to current irrigation users in System 7.
Councillor Dave Mattes asked whether a larger pump for $25,000 would be better than spending $250,000 on system upgrades.
But Goodsell said a pump would only help customers north of Road 18 (Rockpit Vineyard is south of Road 18).
Engineer Chandra Moncrieff confirmed that the existing irrigation system is at capacity and Dhaliwal’s request could not accommodated. It was noted the service would be possible with upgrades to the supply main at the applicant’s cost (of $200,000 to $250,000).
Council agreed to go back to the drawing board to review the matter.
Latest News
-
Editorial - RCMP response times queried It’s very difficult in these economic times to succeed in business, especially for new entrepreneurs. And being victimized by thieves only adds to the struggle. That’s why we sympathize with business...
-
Local volunteers given royal treatment by IH Kaye Marie Yuckin (left) and Lilian Burgess dig into the food during a volunteer appreciation luncheon hosted by Interior Health at the Oliver Community Centre on April 18. Lyonel Doherty photo ...
-
SOSS rebuild to start soon with funding Students Sierra Hammond (left) and Kiera Heinrichs are happy with the new SOSS rebuild plans, which include a new 397-seat theatre to replace the old Frank Venables Auditorium. Lyonel Doherty photo...
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4