The Village of Pemberton is moving forward with a plan to increase annual water frontage rates from $71.19 to $147.52 to help pay off a water treatment facility loan.
Per the B.C. Community Charter, municipalities must obtain approval from residents to borrow funds over a period of more than five years. The VOP decided to run an alternative approval process between Dec. 16 and Jan. 31 to earn that approval.
“Under the AAP, if more than 10 per cent of the electorate submits a response indicating opposition to the loan authorization bylaw, council may decide not to pursue the proposed long-term borrowing or may proceed with an assent vote,” read a report presented to council during a Nov. 5 meeting.
Council received no votes in favour or in opposition to the loan repayment plan, resulting in a certificate of sufficiency.
The new facility will help reduce elevated levels of manganese and iron in the Village's drinking water. While those levels were within Health Canada's maximum acceptable concentration limits for drinking water, they exceeded aesthetic objectives that address taste, odour and colour. A 2020 Pemberton water report confirmed the elevated levels did not pose a health risk to residents.
After a one-month quashing period during which a legal challenge can be raised, council will issue a certificate-issuing resolution, at which point, the bylaw takes effect.
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