Salmon Arm water restrictions
In August of 2022, the corporation of the City of Salmon Arm brought a new limitation for the residents of the district of Salmon Arm. City council voted unanimously for a new resolution 0384- 2022 implementing Multistage Irrigation Restrictions, commencing in May 2023. The proposal was moved by councillor Tim Lavery and seconded by Kevin Flynn. Bylaw NO. 1274, paragraph 21 authorizes the City to make such restrictions and was adopted by council on December 11, 1978.
Photo source: www.salmonarm.ca
Approval for the new resolution was based on the recommendation of the team from Engineering and Public Works, headed by Robert Niewenhuizen, following the City of Salmon Arm Water Conservation policy, No. 519, approved by council in August of 2021.
https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/4070/Water-Conservation-Policy-No-519
Staff felt it was necessary to regulate the hours of irrigation due to high water demand during the summer months and past experience during the drought of 2021. As noted, “staff could not easily and quickly reduce the water usage to minimize risks to the system. Having a defined multi- stage irrigation restriction process, complete with a communication plan is an important mitigation tool for future major events.”
Four stages of restrictions have been made. In stage 4 no watering was permitted for lawns, trees, shrubs, plants, flowers and food producing plants and trees but was allowed for washing boats to control invasive species, washing sidewalks, driveways, windows, fences and exterior building surfaces for health and safety only. Stage 4 also allowed the irrigation of sports fields and common spaces such a Blackburn Park, Canoe Ball Diamonds, Jackson Campus, Klahani ball diamond and Little Mountain field and lawn Bowling due to high replacement costs of sports turf fields. Failure to comply with these restrictions may result in a fine, metered water rates, or a discontinuation of service.
https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/4461/Water-Usage-Restrictions-1
Friday, August 18 Chief Executive Officer Erin Jackson, the Director of engineering and public works, Robert Niewenhuzein and utility manager John Rasmuson brought Stage 4 water restrictions into effect which were approved by the council on August 21, 2023.
Stage 4 was in effect until August 30, 2023. During that time, gardeners, local farmers, and even commercial food producers were not allowed to water their crops. Thirteen days without water during the high summer will kill all vegetables and berry shrubs so many continued to water, defying the restriction rather than losing everything. Not only this year’s crops, but seedlings and perennial plants for other seasons would have also been affected.
These unprecedented restrictions attacking local food growers and producers showed just how far the city bureaucrats are from reality, or more precisely how little they really care about residents and the local food supply. Another question is: “Why is the same council that implemented water restrictions due to capacity limitations allowing more and more subdivisions to be built?” One could conclude they like the increased tax revenue but do not hesitate to bully residents with absurd regulations. Or is there another story behind the story? Perhaps AGENDA 2030?
DB, CB
