Ashcroft Council is looking for public opinion on the new Water Treatment Plant that will be built next year.
They are holding a public meeting tonight - Thurs., Jan. 14 at 7 pm in the Community Hall.
Last year the Village received a $5.7 million grant for the new facility. That represents $2.85 million from the provincial government and another $2.85 from the federal government. The town is required to contribute another $2.85 million to the facility.
“It’s a long term project,” says Ashcroft Mayor Jack Jeyes. “By end of the year, we have to be in position to move forward with it.”
Council and village staff have visited other water treatment plants in the region, but they haven’t decided yet what type of water treatment plant Ashcroft should have. About all he can say for sure is that “It will probably be in Legacy Park somewhere.”
“Somehow the village has to get its one-third portion of the funding,” he says.
That will be discussed at the public meeting, as well as the legislation requiring it, options for different water systems and perhaps some preliminary designs.
Representation from Interior Health, the consultants and Council will speak to inform and answer questions from the public.
“It’s a huge project for us,” says Jeyes. “A $9 million project - so it’s going to have a huge impact on the village over the next few years.”
It’s expected to be finished in 2019.