Osoyoos to start installing mandatory water meters with $500 'last resort' non-compliance fines

Photo: File photo

The Town of Osoyoos is moving ahead on “last resort” fines for those failing to comply with its new water-metering system which is expected to be rolled out by next spring.

During a council meeting last week, members agreed to set up a $500 per day fine for water users who fail to install meters on all connections.

However, town staff said the financial penalty will be used only as a last resort.

“We want to work with property owners, work with timing, so it's not something that we're going to be using as with all other fines within our several bylaws, frivolously,” said Rod Risling, Osoyoos chief administrative officer.

“There'll be a lot of communication done with people and we typically only use fines when we really have true non-compliance.”

The municipality is looking to have the mandatory water metering system ready by April of next year, which will allow the municipality to charge water usage via one flat rate plus one variable rate based on individual usage.

Town staff said the move, first approved in March 2022, will help with water conservation efforts by making residents aware of their exact usage. A staff document also notes the change will provide the Town with more grant opportunities.

“We're anticipating the vast majority of those on the domestic water system are going to comply, but there may be some that need a little extra persuasion on the installation of these meters,” Risling added.

“And therefore, we're seeking an amendment to our bylaws to provide the opportunity for administration be a little bit more forceful and putting in these meters, and therefore recommending a consistent fine both within the town boundaries and outside the town boundaries.”

Strata complexes will mostly likely have one main water meter, and individual property owners will be able to decide whether they’d like to monitor water use further.

Staff said meters will be installed geographically by Neptune Technology Group, which will also be providing information to residents about the process.

“We hope that people will realize that this is a positive move and it's going to take us while to get it all done,” said Mayor Sue McKortoff.

"So, there's lots of opportunity for people to ask questions and to go through this process with Neptune and with the town.”

The Town of Osoyoos is looking to start installing water meters as of Sept. 30.