One of the great things about living in the South Cariboo is that when serious or potentially serious problems arise and those directly involved are willing to work together, they can be resolved.
Take, for instance, the Gateway Water System, which is tired and rundown after operating as a private water supply system for several decades.
Early last year, the system operator said he was going to shut it down if someone cannot be found to operate it.
The 20 customers relying on the water were obviously alarmed when they learned about their predicament, and a meeting was hastily called to see what could be done about the situation.
Ten of the customers attended the meeting with staff members from the Ministry of Environment, Interior Health and the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) attending in advisory roles.
The consensus of the customers at the meeting was they would like the CRD to take over the operation of the water system.
However, there was significant concern when their CRD Area Director Margo Wagner told them the system would have to be modernized and it would cost a lot of money.
The CRD allocated up to $3,000 for feasibility study, and another meeting was called, during which folks voiced concerns about financial and water supply impacts of a new system.
The problem was further complicated by the fact that six properties, which had formed through subdivision, would be too small to have a well and septic system on the same property.
Eventually, folks realized the only way to cure the problem was to put in a new water system, which is estimated to cost $750,000.
The next problem was finding the money.
After going door-to-door with a petition of support, the customers agreed to pay $250,000, which would be paid for through direct taxation.
The CRD agreed to put in $250,000 from its gas tax grants.
Local MP Cathy McLeod tried to help by encouraging the CRD to apply for a Western Infrastructure Grant, but it was unsuccessful because they couldn't meet timelines because of the lengthy Cariboo winters.
Local MLA Donna Barnett also encouraged her government to get on board, which led to the recent $125,000 provincial grant announcement.
Being $125,000 short of the needed funding, the CRD agreed to provide another $125,000 from the gas tax funds.
The customers, Wagner and others have worked tirelessly to make this happen.
There is still a long way to go, but it shows the spirit of the South Cariboo is alive and kicking.