science
Proposed Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Over Water System Safety Near Penticton as Residents Vote on $33 Million Repair Loan
A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed in British Columbia Supreme Court alleging unsafe drinking water in the Sage Mesa system near Penticton. The lawsuit names the system's owner and the province as defendants. Residents of the area are scheduled to vote on Saturday on whether to approve a $33 million loan for repairs if the regional district takes over the system.
Apr 11, 7:00 AM·2m read1 source
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
C. , the private owner, and the province of British Columbia as defendants. 's Drinking Water Protection Act. The Sage Mesa water system has been under the control of the provincial comptroller since 1990.
In recent years, the system has failed to meet basic water treatment guidelines set by Interior Health. The system serves properties near Penticton under a boil water advisory. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has been contracted to run the system since 2009.
The district has been approached by the private owner to take over the system fully, which would require a referendum to authorize a $33 million loan for repairs. m. on the district's website and social media.
The regional district estimates that federal and provincial grants could cover up to 75 percent of the repair costs.
However, the district has stated it has no information on the likelihood of receiving those grants. If no grants are received, the loan would be amortized, resulting in payments for each of the ratepayers. A plaintiff in the proposed lawsuit, which has not yet been certified, stated that the potential costs have affected retirement plans.
The plaintiff is nearing retirement age. The plaintiff said that without continued employment income, after mortgage and water bill payments, they would have limited funds left for other expenses. >"The $33 million divided by people, borrowed and amortized is just too much to handle.
A lawyer representing the plaintiffs stated that the province has a duty to repair the system and provide clean drinking water but has responded that it will not fund the repairs.
The province could not comment on the situation because the matter is before the courts. The plaintiff indicated that residents' emotions ahead of the vote include anger, frustration, fear, and uncertainty, and that good options are not available. The lawsuit seeks to address ongoing water safety issues affecting rural residents in the South Okanagan area.
