Balfour’s water system will get its upgrades after all.
Residents voted Saturday in favour of the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s plan to borrow $583,323 that will finish funding the extensive project, which is estimated to cost $3.3 million.
The remainder of the money is funded through a $2.8 million Clean Water and Wastewater Fund grant that the RDCK has already received. It also means a $248 increase in parcel tax for a total of $1,292 per year for a five-year period.
Results provided by the RDCK showed 153 in favour of the plan with 21 voting against. Fifty per cent of eligible voters took part in the referendum.
The project includes the construction of a new reservoir, upgraded water lines, installation of universal metering, a new upper zone pump station, a hydrant infill and the establishment of standby power.
The RDCK had to scramble via referendum after an alternate approval process in early April didn’t have enough participation from residents to move the plan forward.