A 10.1 million dollar wastewater treatment plant upgrade in Okanagan Falls is expected to begin construction in 2010.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen recently announced the acquisition of 6.25 million dollars from the federal and provincial governments in support of the project.

An expanded treatment plant will enable the regional district to add Skaha Estates and Kaleden shoreline properties to tie into the Okanagan Falls sewage system. The addition of theses areas into the treatment plant will be part of a planned second phase which will be dependent on the availability of grant funding to proceed.

Costs for sewage is expected to rise in Okanagan Falls from present rates of $435 per year to annual fees of $639 after construction of the new facility. The increased cost will reflect capital cost funding over a 20 year period; after that time, operational costs are expected to drop to approximately $395 per year.

An Open House, held on Wednesday, November 18 at Okanagan Falls Elementary School from 4 to 8 p.m. will provide residents with an opportunity to view a presentation on the region’s wastewater treatment plans.

If more information about the future of wastewater facilities and services in the Okanagan Falls and south Skaha Lake communities is required, residents are asked to please call Darcy Kirkpatrick at the regional district at 250-490-4112.