Penticton Western News Friday, March 28, 2014
news
Naramata readies to power up water supply Joe Fries
Western News Staff
Consultants will begin work soon on a plan to seal a potentially dangerous hole in the Naramata water system. Right now, the system operates without a back-up generator to provide electricity in the case of a power outage, meaning it has limited ability to maintain water flow during an emergency. “In the summer, probably minutes if it was a fire,” engineer Liisa Bloomfield last week told the board of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. “When we lose power, we lose all ability to pump up the hill and to replenish what’s in the reservoirs.” The board accepted her recommendation that a $52,700 contract be awarded to AECOM Canada to draw up plans for a back-up power system and oversee its eventual construction. RDOS Naramata Director Karla Kozakevich said the community water reservoirs were drained after a two-hour power outage during the irrigation season last summer. “If it’s sort of off-season, like
Karla Kozakevich now, you’re looking more like half a day,” she said. Back-up power was a component of a planned water system upgrade in 2007, but was left out due to budget constraints, according to an RDOS staff report, and it’s now a priority of the Naramata Water Advisory Committee. “Is there going to be an interface forest fire or something where we lose power and we also run out of water? What are the odds that is going to happen?” Kozakevich said. “I don’t like to play those odds. Whether it’s life or property, that’s
what we want to look after.” Kozakevich said AECOM will come up with a firm cost estimate for the back-up power system, after which the RDOS could apply for grants to build the project or pay for it out of the water utility reserve. Naramata’s water is pumped uphill from Okanagan Lake to a series of reservoirs and a treatment plant, then gravity-fed back downhill to users. A consultant recommended last year that Naramata abandon plans to twin its water system to split agricultural and residential use, and instead focus on upgrading aging equipment. Some of that work is expected to get underway next week with the replacement of 280 metres of watermain that will temporarily cut off service to some residents, who will get a minimum of 48 hours’ notice, according to the RDOS. Properties on Ponderosa Drive, Upper Debeck, Debeck and Arawana roads will be most affected. The watermain to be replaced feeds the Juniper reservoir from a connection at Arawana Road Work is expected last three weeks.
Backlog in psych evaluations delays sentencing for Leaman Joe Fries
Western News Staff
The former Penticton politician who pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault is, “surviving,” his lawyer said Wednesday after learning the case had been delayed by nearly three months. Gary Allan Leaman, 58, is due back in Penticton provincial court on June 11 to set a new date for sentencing. The court is still awaiting completion of a psychological assessment that will form part of a presentencing report upon which the judge will base a decision. Defence counsel Michael Welsh said outside the courtroom it’s his understanding there is a backlog of offenders requiring assessments and the system is “too backed up,” resulting in the delay for his client. Ben Hadaway, a spokesperson for the Provincial Health Services Authority, said such assessments are conducted by psychiatrists at six clinics and jails throughout B.C., but he was unable to explain the apparent delay in the system.
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In the meantime, Leaman, who wasn’t in the courtroom Wednesday, “is surviving,” Welsh said. “What more can you say?” Leaman faces a maximum penalty of 18 months in jail on each of the two counts. The offences to which he pleaded guilty in January occurred between 2009 and 2011, although a publication ban applies to any details that would identify the victims. Welsh confirmed he has had discussions with the Crown in regard to sentencing, “but I can’t really disclose anything.” Leaman served one term as a Penticton city councillor from 2002 to 2005, but was not re-elected. He also ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2008 and again for council in 2011. He retired in October 2013 from his long-time job as manager of the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre and charges were sworn in November. Leaman is free on $750 bail, some conditions of which required him to surrender his passport and remain within B.C.
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