Class Action Filed Against the BC Government and Sage Mesa Water & Public Service Co., Ltd for Failing to Repair the Sage Mesa Water System
On March 31, 2026, Klein Lawyers filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of residents who rely on the Sage Mesa Water System in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.
Residents who rely on the Sage Mesa Water System have been subject to both seasonal and permanent boil-water advisories since 2012. Some, including the Plaintiff, have had a permanent boil-water advisory since 2019.
The lawsuit alleges that the owners and operators of the Sage Mesa Water System knowingly allowed the system to fall into disrepair. The water system is owned by Sage Mesa Water & Public Service Co., Ltd; however, it is operated and managed by the provincial government.
The lawsuit alleges the Defendants refused to fund long-term capital repairs and upgrades to the water system. Specifically, the Defendants have failed to ensure the system provides adequate drinking water, fire flow capacity, overflow drainage, and apparatuses to prevent the spill of chemicals. As a result, the Sage Mesa Water System presents a danger to users and the surrounding area.
Klein Lawyers is dedicated to helping residents who rely on the Sage Mesa Water System seek justice against the government of British Columbia and the Sage Mesa Water & Public Service Co., Ltd.
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- 2026, April 11 – CBC News – Class action proposed as South Okanagan residents prepare to vote on $33M water cost
- 2026, January 29 – CBC News – Residents near Penticton, B.C. demand action from province over water system
- 2025, December 29 – Penticton Herald – Sage Mesa water controversy heading to referendum
- 2023 Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report Sage Mesa Water System
- 2022 Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report Sage Mesa Water System
- 2021 Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report Sage Mesa Water System
- 2020 Sage Mesa Water System 2020 Annual Water Quality Report
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“The negotiations were conducted by plaintiffs’ counsel with experience in class proceedings.”
“I am satisfied it is apparent from the material, which is complicated, and, I might say very well organized...”
“Plaintiff’s counsel are senior members of the bar who have extensive experience in personal injury litigation and class actions..”
“Mr. Klein is experienced and able in relation to class proceedings. Over time he has acquired expertise that permits him to make a valuable contribution...”
“The lead class counsel is experienced and has been recognized by the courts in approving settlements in other class actions.”
“Counsel for the plaintiffs in the various jurisdictions appear to be experienced in class proceedings, and to be recognized as skilled litigators.”
“…Plaintiff’s counsel retained the British Columbia law firm of Klein Lawyers to assist in the litigation. That firm has extensive experience...”
“Klein Lawyers is a litigation firm focusing on class actions. The firm is based in Vancouver but also has a Toronto office.”
“The proposed Class Counsel have excellent qualifications…”
“Mr. Klein of Klein Lawyers has over 20 years of experience in the field of class action litigation and has appeared as plaintiffs’ counsel in over 25 certified class actions...”
“Class counsel, Klein Lawyers LLP and Kim Orr Barristers P.C., are highly experienced in class action litigation. Both firms have practiced in the specialized area of class action litigation for over 20 years”
“British Columbia class counsel took on this case on a contingency basis, and faced a real risk of not being paid at all for their services.”
“Class counsel pursued this litigation to completion on their own rather than with a consortium of counsel from various provinces.”
“Klein Lawyers has continuously posted updates about the case on its website during the litigation, and has posted the court decisions...”
“There is little doubt that the lawyers of the firm expended a great deal of time in prosecuting the action, in negotiating a settlement...”
“…Class counsel undertook an extensive communication plan to advise potential class members of the proposed settlement and to advise them of the...”
