The City of Kelowna is getting $3 million from the provincial government for drinking water and wastewater treatment projects.
Minister of Municipal Affairs Anne Kang made the announcement alongside Mayor Tom Dyas at a news conference in Stuart Park on Tuesday (June 27).
“Our province is growing and we know we need to invest in infrastructure to create successful communities and a healthier environment for everyone,” said Kang.”
The funding will be used to reinforce and strengthen Turtle Lake dams, and for wastewater management in the Rutland area by eliminating aging septic systems.
The projects will reduce the risk of water quality deterioration in groundwater sources and Okanagan Lake.
“Through these projects, we are taking action to advance council’s climate environment priorities which include the health of Okanagan Lake and to ensure we have a resilient and safe infrastructure for our community,” said Days.
Kang also announced $3 million for the City of Merritt to support new water meters with an automatic meter-reading system for residential connections.
“After the floods (2021), my city was without water for 24 days. So when you do not have a flow of water you realize how precious this resource is,” said Michael Goetz, Mayor of Merritt.
READ MORE: Merritt under evacuation order as flooding wreaks havoc across B.C.
Goetz added that the funding is an important first step towards protecting Merritt’s future water resources.
The projects are part of a $450-million provincial investment in critical infrastructure in communities provincewide.
READ MORE: Severe thunderstorm watch out for Okanagan
@GaryBarnes109
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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