Sicamous residents will have an opportunity this month to be updated on where things stand regarding the district’s new water treatment facility.
Recently, the district hosted an information meeting for neighbours of the future water treatment facility and, on March 12, the district is hosting an open house for all Sicamous residents. The event will take place in council chambers at 4 p.m. At 5 p.m., during the regular meeting of council, a public hearing will take place for related official community plan and zoning amendments.
At last week’s council meeting, a public hearing was held for the establishment of a local service area for the water treatment plant, required to enable the district to borrow its $4.3 million share of the $7.9 million facility.
Sicamous chief financial officer Kelly Bennett explained the district will be seeking a 25-year loan, funded by way of property value tax, to start in 2016 when the plant is expected to be operational.
It is estimated Sicamous home owners can expect to pay $34 per $100,000 of assessed residential value.
Mayor Darrell Trouton told the news the initial public meeting with neighbouring residents went over well, and that they were quite happy with what they saw.
Council may proceed with the establishment of a local service area unless a petition against the service is presented within 30 days after Feb. 21. Petitions can be signed during business hours at the district civic centre.