Archives for March 23, 2020

 

 

By ROY WOOD

In the interests of protection against earthquake damage, Oliver council will invest over $150,000 to reinforce the structure of so-called “Flume 3,” which is part of the irrigation system.

Council heard today that a 2018 engineering evaluation found that “the flume was is good condition but would not withstand a seismic event when it was loaded with water and (was) rated as ‘seriously deficient’ in that category.”

According to a report to council from operations director Shawn Goodsell, the amount budgeted for the repairs turned out to be about $51,000 short of the eventual lowest bid — $158,240 — mainly because of unanticipated safety concerns and higher than expected materials costs.

He added that money is available in reserve funds to cover the shortfall.

Goodsell predicted that once the current Covid-19 crisis passes there will be a “mad rush” to get municipal projects underway and that it “would be prudent to do it now while the price is low.” 

He added that in discussions with Greyback Construction, the low bidder, the firm indicated that if a re-tender were undertaken their bid would likely be higher.

Council voted to award the contract to Greyback for the “structural remediation” of the flume.

A flume is a human-made channel for water. Flume 3 is located on the Osoyoos Indian Band reserve just south of the industrial park.

 

By ROY WOOD

The folks in town works town departments will have to wait a while to get their hands on a half-million-dollar piece of high-utility equipment that does all manner of jobs in the water, sewer and public works areas.

According to a report to Oliver council from chief financial officer Doug Leahy, “Staff have highly prioritized the need for a Vactor truck to perform various tasks critical for efficient and effective operations of the public works department.”

Leahy assured council this afternoon that the needed $525,000 is available in various reserve funds and revenue from the provincial gas tax.

There was general consensus among councillors in favour of the Vactor truck purchase. But because of the financial and general uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 crisis, council voted to defer consideration of the purchase until later in the year.

Mayor Martin Johansen said the truck is “piece of equipment we should get or the town.” 

He added, however, that the priority now is making sure the town has “the financial resources to deal with whatever we have to deal with resulting from Covid-19.” 

“Being cautious is the best way to go right now,” echoed Councillor Petra Veintimilla.     

According to Leahy’s report, a Vactor truck is a “specialized piece of equipment that has revolutionized the way public works is allowed to carry out routine maintenance of the town’s infrastructure.”

Some of the tasks a Vector truck can do include:

• Service digs for water, sewer and other repairs or installations;
• Catch basin cleaning;
• Tree planting;
• Sewer line flushing;
• Sewer lift station maintenance;
• Storm line/culvert cleaning;
• Provide water at sites for different uses including pressure washing;
• Water canal cleaning (during spring clean-up);
• Potential debris clean-up (flooding); and
• Emergency backup (replacing some septic trucks) for sewer system. 

According to the report, the province offers a financing program that could be used rather than paying for truck in one fiscal year.

The Municipal Finance Authority program offers low interest rates and the ability to finance the purchase over up to five years.

Wayde, Lynda and Aiden received a message at 4:00am from the Canadian Embassy notifying them that they are coordinating flights with Air Canada and planes will be arriving in the coming days. Praying they get on one of them! – Gail Bariskill

Wayde Bliss, local resident, along with his wife and grandson stuck in Quito, Ecuador. When Marshall Law was declared there, though they were at airport with booked flight home, the airport was shut down leaving them stranded. Some private planes were taking Americans back to the States, and the cost per person was just under $10,000. He had asked for friends and coworkers to reach out to our MP to ensure their situation was captured. As of this morning, our PM is working on getting planes to South America. Between Monday and Wednesday, West Jet is doing 34 flights, but not exactly sure where. Please send your thoughts that they can be brought home sooner than later.
– Nancy Boutin

Picture of Wayde with Mayor Martin Johansen

“The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated, and everyone must do all they can to support our efforts – to break the chain of transmission and flatten the outbreak curve.”

Adrian Dix, Minister of Health
March 23, 2020

Rd Two – west side – Garbage truck on fire – minor – Oliver Fire Department actually on the scene and called it in.
Below small grass fire at rear of Richard Simmons ranch north at Oliver – Hwy 97 just north of Wilcox Corner