Fernie City Council has given the amended water control bylaws a third reading, with adoption expected at their next meeting.
Mayor Nic Milligan said the original bylaw had to be rescinded to correct some mistakes.
“They received third reading, then staff determined there were some internal inconsistencies,” said Milligan.
“They will come back during a special meeting this week.”
The meeting will go ahead on Tuesday.
Before these bylaws, Fernie relied on voluntary water restrictions, like the one currently in place.
“Our community has been very responsive, but it’s not 100 per cent consistent and this allows us to be consistent across the board,” said Milligan.
“It ensures everyone abides by water restrictions at appropriate times.”
Milligan said the current conditions highlight the need for these bylaws, with recent hot, dry weather and demand beginning to outpace supply.
The proposed system involves four stages with gradual tightening of allowable water use, such as fewer watering days and hours.
Vegetable gardens will be exempt from water regulations until stage four.
The bylaw will also increase the fines for unauthorized hydrant use up to $2,000 for the first offence and $3,000 for subsequent offences.
“There was a bit of a push to increase that further, but the fines are set at a rate that our bylaw officers enforce and impose those fines directly without going through a lengthy court process,” said Milligan.
After the bylaw is adopted, there will be a two-month grace period as the city and residents adjust to the new regulations.
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