SMWS: Why the Referendum Date is Set for April 11, 2026.

Setting a referendum date for April 11, 2026 was a strategic move driven by Provincial requirements. In November 2025, the RDOS Board was informed by UBCM staff that the SMWS Community-Building fund application is currently classified as "High Risk" because ownership is not yet confirmed. Watch the RDOS report and debate here.

To stay "in the running" for this UBCM grant cycle ($7 million maximum), the RDOS must confirm community approval for borrowing the local share of the project's cost. The only way the RDOS can do that is through a referendum. Without a successful referendum, the application will be disqualified. I want to be very straightforward; it is unlikely Sage Mesa will receive a grant in this specific cycle (see below). However, setting this date was the only way to avoid immediate disqualification. And, as you likely know, privately owned utilities are not eligible for grants. Therefore, a referendum to transfer the system to the RDOS is the only way for the SMWS to position itself for future grant opportunities.

The Community-Building Fund is Oversubscribed

The Canada Community-Building Fund, formerly known as the Gas Tax Fund, is currently experiencing unprecedented demand, with more local governments seeking funding than is available.

• The Funding Available: There is $119 million available in this current intake.

• The Potential Demand: BC has 161 municipalities (allowed 1 application each) and 27 regional districts (allowed up to 3 each). This creates a potential pool of 242 applications.

• The Competition: With each application allowed to request up to $7 million, the total potential demand could be $1.694 billion ($1,694,000,000).

Due to the limited funds available, the committee will be extremely selective in its choices . For more information on this topic:

• December 9, 2025 RDOS Information Release

• Summary of my conversation with the UBCM Program Officer

• RDOS Board Meeting November 6, 2025

Factual Information about the SMWS Acquisition

I have received concerns about selective SMWS aquistion information that's been shared through unofficial channels. While advocacy is a healthy part of democracy, citizens should make decisions based on verified facts from the RDOS. Visit the RDOS SMWS project page or contact Liisa Bloomfield, Senior Manager of Public Works at lbloomfield@rdos.bc.ca 

You’re also very welcome to email or call me with your questions (250-488-0246 or rgettens@rdos.bc.ca).

Thank you for reading,

Riley