The Town of Oliver, population just over 5,000, is facing more than $100 million in infrastructure upgrades in the next decade, prompting tough conversations at council about how to pay for it — and how long residents can continue benefiting from some of the lowest utility rates in the region.

During 2026 budget deliberations, operations director Kelly Mercer and chief financial officer John Kurvink laid out stark financing realities: without major tax and utility rate increases, many of Oliver’s critical water and sewer projects will fall further behind, risking system failures and even higher costs down the road.

Mercer began by outlining the town’s immediate need to borrow $1.1 million from the province for upgrades at the Rockcliffe well, a key water source in urgent need of renewal.

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