Sage Mesa Water System Community Conversation October 30, 2024
Updates
Utility Acquisition Assessment Process
The Regional District has received expression of interest letters from Sage Mesa Water and Public Service Co. Ltd to sell the water system to the Regional District. This utility is located in Electoral Area “F” on the west side of Okanagan Lake.
The Regional District has a Water and Sewer Utility Acquisition Policy that outlines specific activities for the transfer of utility systems. In order to capture and coordinate all acquisition aspects, the acquisition assessment process for the services is complex and methodical.
In January 2023, the Regional District and Sage Mesa Water and Public Service Co. Ltd entered into an agreement to explore the transfer of this utility ownership.
Successful completion of this transfer includes the initiation of due diligence for the Utility Acquisition.
The following outlines the Acquisition Assessment schedule;
- February 2023: Board approval to proceed with the acquisition process
- April 2023: Background information collection
- June 2023: Consultant hired to complete first main milestone: Engineering and Financial Assessment
- December 2023: Draft report review and revisions underway
- July 2024: Engineering Report finalized and presented to RDOS Board
- October 2024: Service area creation and borrowing bylaws received 3 readings at the Board and assent process was initiated
With direction to begin the assent process, where the public votes on the RDOS taking over the utility, public engagement is initiated.
The meeting scheduled for October 30, 2024, will be the first of several events in the coming months to discuss the assent process and financial implications, and answer questions.
