Comox Valley water treatment project moving forward with the conclusion of the alternative approval process. Photo courtesy CBC.
With low opposition in an Alternative Approval Process (AAP), the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) can now borrow up to $29 million to pay for some of the project costs and move the water treatment project forward.
The CVRD finished its process to allow those who did not support borrowing funds for the project to submit an elector response.
With 47,845 eligible electors, only 31 submissions were received, well below the 4,785 threshold needed for the matter to go to a referendum.
The CVRD can now consider the loan authorization bylaw for adoption at its meeting March 27.
“The CVRD now has the mandate to deliver residents the modern system they deserve, a system that meets current health standards and ensures safe, high-quality drinking water well into the future,” CVRD Water Committee Chair Bob Wells said.
“Having the results of the AAP also bolsters our case for grant funding, as it demonstrates strong public support for the project.”
The new water treatment facility is estimated to cost $110 million and funded through $55 million from grants, $26 million from reserve funds and up to $29 million through long-term borrowing.
The average cost for system users in the Comox Valley is projected to be $86 per household, per year, for up to 25 years.
Temporary ultraviolet (UV) treatment at the existing chlorination treatment plant was installed in January and is expected to reduce boil water notices by about 80 per cent.
The district says when the new system is operational in 2021, all turbidity-related boil water notices will be eliminated.
Andy Neal
