April 29, 2024

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) hosted a public meeting on April 25, 2024, to present the results of the Vintage Views Sewer System and Lakeshore Waterworks Assessment Reports. These reports were recently completed as part of the due diligence process when utilities are being considered for acquisition. The systems are located in Electoral Area “D” (Skaha East, Okanagan Falls).

The presentation can be viewed here: PDF copy of the presentation(External link)

A recording of the meeting is available on the RDOS YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/gcejubrQJPg?si=Qc6BMAZh7qf9xC0E(External link)

For further information, please email the RDOS Utilities department at utilities@rdos.bc.ca(External link) or call 250-490-4135.

April 3, 2024

In support of the RDOS Utility Acquisition Policy, Ecora Engineering & Resource Group Ltd. (Ecora) was retained to complete engineering and financial assessments of the Lakeshore Waterworks and Vintage Views Wastewater systems.

Both reports are intended for the sole use of the RDOS, their agents, and applicable regulatory authorities.

Click the links below to view the reports:

Lakeshore Waterworks System assessment(External link)

Vintage Views Wastewater System assessment(External link)(External link)

These reports are being published to provide property owners with detailed information to ensure transparency in the process.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications via email at communications@rdos.bc.ca(External link)

or phone 250-490-4148.

March 1, 2024

There are several outstanding tasks that have delayed the completion of the reports and calculation of all proposed costs to the ratepayers. This process is complex and challenging to ensure all information has been evaluated and considered for the reports and calculations. Some items have taken longer to assess than anticipated.

Information gathered to date will be presented to the RDOS Board for discussion, including any outstanding issues and next steps.

Information from the assessment reports will be shared on this project page as it becomes available.

• December 2022: Board approval to proceed with Utility Acquisition Process. - Complete
• February 2023: Collection of background information and retaining of consultant. - Complete
• March 2023: Preparation of communications plan and setup of project page on RDOS Regional Connections. - Complete
• February 2024: Completion of engineering and financial assessment for systems by consultant. Completion delayed due to system complexity and additional information. - Complete
• February 2024: Completion of financial, asset and liability assessment and staff capacity review. Completion delayed due to system complexity and additional information. - Complete
• March 2024: Presentation to the Regional District Board and release of information to the public. - In progress
• March 2024: RDOS Board will decide whether to proceed with acquisition process or decline the request to take ownership of the systems.
  • Option 1: If RDOS Board resolves to proceed with acquisition process:
    • March 2024: After receiving approval to proceed with the acquisition process from the RDOS Board, public and owner engagement will begin with results of assessment.
    • Early-Mid 2024: Public assent process initiated and Regional District Board endorsement for proceeding with acquisition and borrowing of funds to attain all required regulations and standards.
    • Decision by late 2024: Based on assent process results from customers, the Board, and the owner of the private systems, the acquisition process will either continue or stop.
    • Late 2024: If acquisition proceeds, transition plans will be prepared and an official transfer date will be set.
    • Set date in 2025: Official transfer of assets to the Regional District.
  • Option 2: If RDOS Board resolves to decline the offer to acquire the two systems:
    • Acquisition process is stopped, and a letter of decline will be sent to the owner.