Updates

Chlorine Flush completed through Lower System.  SSID's System Operator completed the flush on September 22, after ensuring that chlorinated water has reached all parts of the Lower System watermains. To determine if your property is in the Lower System, please see the BLUE properties shown on SSID's System Map.

Water samples from the Lower System had shown "background colonies" in test results received September 20. Background colonies are not harmful, but they do indicate an environment in which harmful bacteria could settle, and this was the 3rd time in 2 months that the colonies had been present. Flushing with only water had worked temporarily, but on September 21, as a more preventive measure, SSID's System Operator sterilized the lower tank and its distribution lines, with chlorine (sodium hypochlorite 12%). The amount at your tap is within Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines. 

It will take a few days for the smell and taste of chlorine to lessen. To clear the taste, we suggest you run your tap for at least 5 minutes, and leave tap water on the counter in an open carafe for a few hours or until the smell of bleach dissipates. Citric acid neutralizes chlorine, so a little squeeze of lemon works as well. As more people use the water, the chlorine will be less.

If you require more information, please contact SSID's Administrator at 604-414-8448 or administrator@savaryshoreswater.ca and see our FAQs at savaryshoreswater.ca/chlorine-flush-faqs

SSID property owners, and qRD regulations. Public engagement events on August 26 and 27, and a public Zoom meeting on September 11, were held to inform Savary Island's updated Official Community Plan (OCP). Local Government Act section 473 (1) (d)* has been cited to the qathet Planning Committee (Nov 1) as requiring maps and statements in the OCP that allow for Savary Land Use restrictions. While OCPs are non-regulatory, a subsequent land use bylaw can have enforceable regulations affecting your property. The OCP is scheduled to be complete within a year. Participate to have your opinion heard. Sign up for more information at https://www.qathet.ca/current_project/savaryocp/
*LGA s.473 (1) "An official community plan must include statements and map designations for the area covered by the plan respecting the following . . . (d) restrictions on the use of land that is subject to hazardous conditions or that is environmentally sensitive to development."

Bubbles in the upper system. After the Brian’s Way leak was fixed in May 2023, some SSID residents reported tiny air bubbles clouding their tap water. SSID’s operator flushed sections of water main to release air, and was successful in the lower system, but bubbles have since been reported in the upper system. It is suspected there may be an air pocket in the upper system pipes in a location not yet determined. The air bubbles are not harmful, and do settle out if left on the counter for a few minutes. It is expected that time and water use will release the remaining air from the system. This fall, our Operator wil replace the 3 old Air Release Valves with new ones that will hopefully expedite removal of the trapped air.

AGM 2024 Complete. The 43rd Annual General Meeting was held at Pascalito's Hacienda at Vancouver Blvd & Brian's Way. There were presentations from the Trustees, Operator, and Administrator; re-appointment of SSID's Accountant; and a vote to continue Trustee Remuneration. There was no trustee election, as no one other than incumbent Trustee Brent Brucker had offered to run. Trustee Brucker takes on the new 3-term term that started August 4. Minutes of the AGM may be viewed here, and are considered draft until amended or adopted at the 2025 AGM.

New Water Use and Distribution Regulation Bylaw 136. This important regulation was adopted by SSID on December 13 2023, and registered by the provincial government on January 4 2024. It replaces Bylaw 102, and contains clauses regarding Commercial Use.

Hydrants installed May 10-11, 2024. The hydrants at Patricia Cres / Manahan Rd and at Blair Rd / Arbutus Rd, have been replaced. These are the 3rd and 4th replacements of the 13-Hydrant Replacement Program.

Upper Tank exterior thickness testing and spot-painting completed in April 2024. The roof and part of the upper tank's exterior were cleaned in February so as to show any rusted areas. Ultrasound thickness testing on the exterior was completed April 10. Rust was gently ground out before treating with a rust converter and spot-painted April 19. The thickness report identifies areas of steel degradation that will effect the service life of the tank. Options for refurbishment or replacement will be considered.

Update, as requested at 2023 AGM. On October 31 2023, SSID issued a newsletter regarding the status of the generator complaint and associated costs, and provided an opportunity for written replies, by November 21 2023. We thank all who contributed. A summary of the replies was emailed to owners on December 15 2023, and can also be found at Property Owners' Responses.

SSID does not share its property owners email list. The list is confidential in accordance with Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation. Email addresses are hidden, and an unsubscribe option is provided.

The 2017 Fire Underwriter's Survey established Savary Shores Improvement District as "limited protection" rather than the previous rating "unprotected." The Dwelling Protection Grade was 4, and the Public Fire Protection Classification was 8 (out of 10, Grade-1 is highest). The FUS Survey was updated in 2020. SSID has not been re-examined or re-graded by FUS since 2017.