West Kelowna, B.C.: MLA for West Kelowna-Peachland and Critic for Public Safety and Solicitor General Macklin McCall sent a formal request to the Premier and Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, urging the Province to use its powers under the Emergency Disaster Management Act (EDMA) to compel the restoration of potable water and essential utility services at Lake Okanagan Resort. This critical infrastructure is needed so that rebuilding can proceed following the 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire.
“After more than two years, property owners remain in a state of limbo because there is no reliable potable water service,” said McCall. “Potable water is required so that we can get shovels in the ground. Until the taps are turned on, building permits can’t be issued, construction cannot start, and residents can’t return home.”
McCall has asked the Province to initiate a recovery period focused on restoring the basic services needed so that those affected can begin reconstruction.
“After the fire, the Premier promised action, instead, he has hung residents out to dry.”
MLA McCall has called on the Province to:
- Declare a provincial recovery period under the EDMA for the affected area;
- Use the tools provided under the EDMA to ensure the timely restoration of potable water and essential utilities at Lake Okanagan Resort;
- Take responsibility for the project directly, if necessary, on a cost recovery basis.
“The EDMA provides the tools, the authority, and the mechanism to act. Action is needed now to ensure public health and safety so that this community can rebuild.”
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Media Contact:
Francesca Guetchev, Press Secretary
Francesca.Guetchev@leg.bc.ca
+1 (672) 922-0948
