As the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen gears up for various referendums in and around Okanagan Falls, one in West Bench is no longer on the agenda.
The RDOS confirmed via email that the referendum on the possible takeover of the Sage Mesa private water system will no longer be taking place on April 12.
"The assent voting opportunity may be held in the fall of 2025, but a date has not been set," the RDOS said.
The delay is over plans to gather additional information to share with residents ahead of the vote.
In October of 2024, the RDOS board of directors voted to approve sending a borrowing request to the Inspector of Municipalities for a loan of up to $33 million to cover necessary upgrades for the system if it is taken over.
Many residents who are hooked up to the system have been on boil water notices since 2019. There are over 240 properties that would be impacted by the acquisition of the system.
The $33 million would not necessarily be a single expense and tax, but would be spread out over 13 years and possibly less if certain expenses either come in under budget or are not needed.
Assent voting for the takeover of the Vintage Views Wastewater System and the Lakeshore Waterworks outside Okanagan Falls are being held on April 12 as originally planned.
