AFFORDABLE HOUSING | Opposition and support voiced over secondary suites in Armstrong [A6]
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Sunday, April 28, 2013
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2014 Chevrolet Impala 4703 - 27th St. VERNON • 250-545-0606
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I SPY LISA VANDERVELDE/ MORNING STAR
Owen Lewis, six, takes a closer look at some bugs at the opening day of the Allan Brooks Nature Centre. Sarah Lewis, two, tries out a magnifying glass.
Environment takes stage at forum RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
RICHARD ROLKE/MORNING STAR
Shawn Lee asks the candidates about Vernon’s spray irrigation program during Thursday’s forum.
The possibility of pumping treated effluent into Okanagan Lake is unpopular with those individuals wanting to represent the area in Victoria. Because waste management must be approved by the provincial government, candidates were asked during a Sustainable Environment Network Society forum Thursday if they would support a consultant’s recommendation that Vernon discharge waste water into the lake instead of using it for irrigation. “If you want to commit political suicide in this town, abandon spray irrigation,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee Liberal
incumbent, at the event which drew about 100 people to the Schubert Centre. “It was strictly a financial core review (by the city’s consultant). It would never get to Victoria because the people (councillors) who suggest it would be out of business.” Scott Anderson, B.C. Conservative candidate, was also reluctant to back a shift in waste disposal. “I’ve heard it’s cleaner than lake water but I wouldn’t drink it,” he said. “I would take it to referendum and take the results to Victoria.” Independent Korry Zepik called for treated waste water to be expanded into residential yards for irrigation. “There are other methods,” he said.
has for the 13th consecutive year been voted…
Mark Olsen, with the NDP, believes waste water can reduce pressure on domestic water supply, and he questioned the consultant’s report. “What’s the rationale for this proposal? Is it the cost? Yes, there is a cost, but there is an impact to our lake,” he said. The candidates were also asked if they would lobby for provincial funds so Greater Vernon’s domestic water supply can be separated from irrigation customers as a way of lowering treatment costs. “We will have to find a way to help the water district to twin the lines. You won’t be able to do it yourself,” said Foster.
See WATER, AGRICULTURE on A3
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