Vernon News

Silver Star Resort near Vernon is setting the stage for a big announcement -- but first it has to dig a hole.

The resort is in the midst of addressing a water shortage problem by digging a massive reservoir at the top of the hill.

CEO Ian Grant says water concerns have kept developers away, but that will soon change.

"It's something that we've always had to watch out for at peak season and this will be the solution."

Grant says the "solution" consists of a reservoir large enough to hold 240,000 cubic metres of water. That's eight times larger that the resort's current reservoir.

Despite tearing up a large hole in the hill, Grant says there's been no opposition from environmentalists and the project has the blessing of the North Okanagan Regional District.

Grant says the reservoir, slated to be complete before winter arrives, is only part of the solution. He says the resort is also building a water treatment facility and a pipeline to feed the water to its users.

Cost of the project is estimated at $4 million and Grant says it will pave the way for a "big announcement" coming soon -- likely dealing with more development.

Big White - Silver Star's big brother - dug up a similar reservoir last season -- also due to an increase in water demand.

Video (Kelly Hayes - Castanet)

Link: Big White's Reservoir Link: Silver Star Resort