The government of B.C. is following through with a commitment made by Premier Christy Clark and will provide $50,000 toward pilot-testing the treatment plant technology proposed to fix the drinking water problems in Sicamous, announced Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Flooding in late June 2012, and subsequent debris flows, compromised Sicamous' water supply necessitating new treatment facilities. Since the flooding, residents have been without dependable clean water due to turbidity issues. Potable water has been made available and boil-water advisories have been the norm.

This funding will lay the foundation for the detailed design and required technology. About 2,800 people use the Sicamous water system.

Quotes:

Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"We're going to do the best thing possible for Sicamous by helping to ensure that the community has dependable access to safe drinking water. This funding will help put in place the planning required to know the right approach."

George Abbott, MLA for Shuswap -

"We recognize that the people of Sicamous have had a lot to contend with over the past while due to water issues and we thank them for their patience while we work with them to get the right infrastructure in place."

Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677