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Vicinity hires president,
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With the upcoming civic election, it is timely to remember the pivotal role played by Mayor Colin Basran, with the support of council, in advancing Kelowna’s Integrated Water Supply Plan from concept through shovels in the ground.
As a resident of Gallagher's Canyon, until recently, and a past president of the Gallagher's Canyon Property Owners Association, clean, safe, reliable, residential water was critical. The $86-million project will see that happen in 2020.
With its roots in Basran’s State of the City address in 2016, through prolonged discussions with the South East Kelowna Irrigation District, the mayor and council did not waver. Ultimately supported by the independent value planning study by Strategic Value Solutions, Inc. in 2017, this perseverance was rewarded with the announcement in March 2017 of $43.9-million in grant funding from the federal and provincial governments.
It must be a relief to those in the former SEKID area to drive past the project trailer on McCulloch Road to know that shovels are in the ground.
The needs and concerns of the important agricultural sector in the area will be addressed by a transitional advisory committee.
Hopefully, this important work toward integration will continue and end the patchwork of residential water supply that impacts newly developing subdivisions in a wide range of areas within this vibrant city.
Paul F. Wood, Kelowna
