Rats now a council concern

Photo: Getty Images

There's nothing like seeing a problem lay at your own front door to get your attention.

After telling residents whose property had been infested with rats that it was not a municipal problem, the city may end up looking into the matter after all.

This comes as West Kelowna is forced to spend $35,000 to make emergency repairs to one of its portables after the stench of dead rats in the walls forced finance department employees to evacuate the premises.

During a debate as to whether to repair the portable or buy a new one, Coun. Rusty Ensign wondered if it was time the municipality tried to do something.

"If the rats are starting, can we still stop them is the question? I think it's a debate that we should have," said Ensign.

"We could just ignore it and let them get worse, but here we are, affected by it ourselves."

Ensign said it may be akin to closing the gate after the horse has left the barn, but suggested municipalities in the Okanagan should get together to at least discuss it.

"I wonder if it should go to SILGA next year, or discuss it at strategic priorities."

Staff was asked to make a note of the topic and include it as part of council's strategic priorities discussion in November.

Meanwhile, council agreed to spend $35,000 to repair the infested portable.

The portable, which is nearly 40 years old, was purchased from the regional district in 2008 for $50,000. It houses seven employees within the city's finance department.

While it was decided to make the repairs rather than spend an estimated $250,000 for a new portable, Coun. Rosalind Neis questioned the figures, and wondered why a cheaper alternative wasn't presented to council.

"I don't believe we can't buy a new trailer, get rid of that piece of junk, and give our staff a new ... working environment for $25,000," said Neis.

"I don't feel staff were directed enough to delve into this. I know it's an emergency, but I can't understand throwing good money after bad."

Neis said in just two minutes, she was able to find cheaper options online.

"This is a temporary fix. It will last as long as we do need it. The desks are there. The office spaces are there," said CAO Jim Zaffino.

"I did get emails that you could buy this for $50,000 or $60,000, but you have to hook up to sewer and water, then you need to have a carpenter build the offices."