Residents and business people at Cultus Lake Park can expect to see "notable improvements" in water quality, reliability and fire coverage once the water system is upgraded.
Cultus Lake Park Board is now working with the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD), which will manage some its services, including water system management.
“Over the past year, the Cultus Lake Park Board has been working diligently to evaluate opportunities that will ensure a strong financial position for our community,” said David Renwick, chair of the CLPB in a news release. “By tapping into the experience and expertise of the FVRD, the Park Board will be a more efficient, cost-effective organization.”
Officials have decided the Cultus water system is in need of significant upgrades and that it will be integrated with the Parkview water system run by FVRD. Part of the reason is that the Cultus Lake water system is more than 50 years old.
Upgrades are expected to start in 2017 with a pricetag of about $5 million.
The FVRD already manages 14 community water systems, including two water treatment plants, 16 water supply wells and 11 reservoirs.
“The Park Board does not have the same legislative standing as a local government (like FVRD). By partnering with the FVRD, the Board can access alternative funding sources for these kinds of large capital projects that would not otherwise be available,” said Renwick.
“Cultus Lake and the FVRD are also looking into establishing a new advisory committee to specifically deal with land use matters at Cultus Lake and further use the FVRD technical resources for the betterment of our community."
Cultus Lake Park has 465 year-round residences, 21 businesses and the Sunnyside campground, run by the park board.