The Town of Oliver is looking to chart a new and possibly unique course when it comes to determining drought conditions by adding additional early warning indicators to the current groundwater levels as a formal drought stage trigger.
The Town of Oliver finalized a five-year plan that sees rate increases across the board, including water and sewer utility rates and parcel taxes, pushing an average increase of $244 to $1,372.10 for an average home this year, up 21.6 per cent over last year.
Amidst the 2026 rate increases being locked in by the Town of Oliver, staff gave a visual presentation of what the next five years will look like for water and sewer rates, reserves, and projects in the town, and where things stand financially.
The Town of Oliver has settled on its water and sewer rate hikes for 2026, opting to pad the numbers slightly in a bid to fund short- and medium-term projects and ensure crucial safety nets are replenished.
A roughly 10-per-cent hike in the cost of municipal services will hit Osoyoos residents next year following the town council’s initial approval of water, sewer and garbage rates.
Oliver Council was presented this week with a proposed 2026 Utility Rate bylaw that would see one-time significant increases to fixed and variable rates, in preparation for substantial work needing to be completed next year.
The Town of Oliver has rescinded Stage 3 Domestic Water Restrictions for town water and rural domestic water system users after three weeks of water issues perplexed residents.
Oliver is looking to leap into the 21st century when it comes to asset management by creating a technological base for all its data.
Osoyoos is looking at an increased staggering of water demand through the adoption of “watering zones” in a bid to help reduce water consumption during peak periods as the town seeks to mitigate risks associated with the critically low water supply.
The Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is still considering how strong the wording should be on discouraging the development of private water and sewer systems in the region.
When it comes to Oliver’s budget, everyone sees a light at the end of the tunnel, the problem is, it’s the light of a train barreling down the tunnel.
A historic gathering in Penticton on Friday saw the Chiefs of the Syilx Nation, Mayors, councillors and Regional District representatives sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to protect siwɬkʷ (water).
Oliver’s system for controlling its water and wastewater systems is functional, but needs improvement to meet modern standards, says an independent report.
Local politicians are already divided over a proposal to prohibit the development of private water and sewer systems.
Osoyoos residents within town boundaries will join their compatriots in other Okanagan municipalities with a move to separate out and charge utilities separately from the annual property tax.
Water is top of mind for Alf and Anna Kole, owners of Pioneer Car Wash, who appeared before Osoyoos Town Council seeking to change the way they pay for their water.
Despite a previous defeat, Oliver will go ahead with a grant application to help purchase a backup generator.
Oliver’s water and sewer infrastructure is expected to hold up, but the town could still use an additional ground water source, says TRUE Consulting.
The Osoyoos 2024 budget has now been approved after it received third reading today by Council resulting in a combined tax, water and sewer hike of about 24 per cent over 2023 but down from the original 39 per per cent proposed last fall.
As the controversially large tax and services hike for Osoyoos taxpayers edges its way toward reconsideration, two visions of how the town should deal with its aging water and sewer infrastructure have emerged.
The proverbial rubber has hit the road with an ungodly squeal as Osoyoos residents struggle to wrap their heads around the nearly 40 per cent jump in property taxes and user fees.
The Town of Oliver is charting a new era of its five year capital plan as the draft presented to council is a product of new people “taking the reins” and has a heavy focus on water projects.
I am a retired hospital employee and it concerns me that my hard earned dollars are being used to subsidize an industry that needs to be closed down as it does nothing but destroy this planet.