GVW's classifications ultra vires?

Are GVW's classifications of water customers beyond the legal scope of their authority?

A couple of years ago--prior to the Province's re-write of the ~100-year old Water Act--that thought would've drawn simultaneous criticism and laughter.

But maybe not now.

B.C.' proposed/implemented Water Sustainability Act is here.

On page 5 of 8 here, look at the listing for "Watering of golf courses, ornamental gardens, parks or similar"

It states fees for Volume Based Rental:  2015 was $.60 per cubic metre, 2016 is at $.85 per cubic metre.

This isn't to say that is the rate Highlands Golf Course expects to receive from Greater Vernon Water.

But it does more accurately define the golf course classification to include ornamental gardens, parks (and) similar, which isn't the way GVW does their classification that includes golf courses.

"Seems the Province of B.C.'s classification system is a tad more accurate than that used by our local water authority," grins Kia.

A tad more accurate?

B.C.'s classification groupings are probably a tad more legal too.

B.C.'s new Water Sustainability Act

...and unlike GVW bureaucrats and their GVAC "enablers", guess what it includes as Agricultural Irrigation?

"Agriculture (the Water Act definition includes irrigation, greenhouses, kennels, nurseries, “watering of golf courses, ornamental gardens, parks or similar properties”)"

 (underscore:  blog author)

Did you hear that, GVW???

GVW's officials do not include golf course irrigation as agricultural!  
Simply put, that places them askew with British Columbia's new Water Sustainability Act, Bill 18, which passed.

Even SEKID, the South East Kelowna Irrigation District got it right, including golf course irrigation as Agricultural.

The list of the Water Sustainability Act's new 2016 Water Fees and Rentals is here. 

The full text of Bill 18 is here.

"Are you listening, GVW officials?" asks Kia.

...you just know somebody's going to get screwed if this sign is at RDNO!

If GVW isn't listening--or those elected officials on GVAC (including The Board) who presumably are their bosses--it's probably time to activate the lawyer again.

Thanks to RDNO, he's on speed dial. 


For a view on Westcoast Environmental Law's perceptions of the act's Strengths and Weaknesses,  click here.