Coldstream’s building boom has come to a halt, but year to date is still strong.
Only seven permits were issued in September with a total construction value of $1.8 million. This compares to 17 permits and construction value of $3.4million for the same month last year.
“Even though September total was less than last year, total construction value to date is almost $10 million more than the same period in 2016,” said Bob Bibby, Coldstream’s building official.
Burning re-ignited
Rural residents have a small window to burn in Coldstream.
The fall open burning period runs from Oct. 15 to Oct. 29 for land owners with a minimum of two hectares who obtain a burning permit.
“The weather is cooling and it appears that the provincial open burning ban will be lifted on Oct. 15,” said Matt Treit, Coldstream’s protective services coordinator, in a report to council. “In the event that the provincial open burning ban is still in place on Oct. 15, the burning period will be postponed until the 15 days immediately following the lifting of the burning ban.”
Water woes
A local water expert continues to question Greater Vernon’s Master Water Plan.
Coldstream Coun. Gyula Kiss says the projected $233 million plan will result in limited improvements.
“You’re still going to have the same water quality as in 2010,” Kiss told his Coldstream council colleagues Tuesday.
He refers to Kelowna, which he says was a similar situation, yet is able to provide total separation at a cost of $64 million.
“How is it that for the same project we have 3.5 times the cost what Kelowna is doing?” said Kiss. “This is why I wanted a review (of the plan).”
But Coun. Doug Dirk said an Okanagan Basin Water Board report from Jennifer Miles showed only one-third of the treated water in Greater Vernon would go to agriculture.
“It needs to be clarified,” said Dirk.