Weeks after a decade-long moratorium on new water connections was lifted, Salt Spring’s largest water district reported a modest number of applications: two.
Both were applications to add water service for an existing property’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — and both were approved, according to North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD) chief administrative officer Mark Boysen.
“It hasn’t been what we expected, although we weren’t sure what was going to happen,” Boysen told the island’s Local Community Commission (LCC) Thursday, April 17. “We do hear a lot of stories about potential developments, a lot of ideas, but so far all we’ve seen are the two ADUs.”
Revenue from the two applications is the first such funds the district had collected in 10 years, earmarked to help pay for the construction of the Island Health-mandated water treatment plant at Maxwell Lake — itself the subject of an active borrowing referendum. NSSWD has also applied for a $6-million Canada Housing and Infrastructure grant, which could reduce the amount the district needs to borrow — thus lowering ratepayers’ borrowing costs — although Boysen said it was unlikely they’d hear a decision on that until after the federal election.
“Maybe there’ll be a moment between the election and the referendum date where we find out,” said Boysen. “But it could be awarded to us later on as well.”