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Otter Point Road water plan takes step forward

CRD will look at options including an in-depth analysis of the costs

Sooke property owners at the north end of Otter Point Road will find out this fall whether they’ll be able to hook up to the municipal water system.

The Juan de Fuca Water Distribution Commission last week asked for a report from the Capital Regional District Water Services on how the project could be funded.

For years, 75 property owners in the area have complained about water shortages. Those shortages have limited development and created issues with fire protection.

Last fall, Sooke council backed a motion from Coun. Kerrie Reay which asked the commission to fund its Otter Point water line to the municipal boundary and service all properties. Funding for the project would come from the commission’s development cost charge fund.

Many questions surrounded the project, including whether it conformed to the CRD’s regional growth strategy and if DCCs could be used to fund it.

“It fits within the growth strategy,” said Juan de Fuca Electoral Area director Mike Hicks, who sits on the commission with Sooke Coun. Kevin Pearson.

Now the commission and the CRD will look at options including an in-depth analysis of the costs, the establishment of a new DCC fund and whether residents should pay upfront costs.

“The project has been moved along further than it ever has been before. It has been identified as a project,” Pearson said.

The CRD report is expected to be completed by September.