Woolwich councillors are willing to keep the door open to Breslau residents, should they change their mind and request municipal water and sewer services.
Councillors briefly discussed the issue at the March 9 council meeting, after councillor Sandy Shantz raised the question of whether the Breslau water hookups could be partially subsidized.
Shantz asked whether staff could look into sources of funding for the Breslau residents, to reduce the cost from a potential $92,000 over a 20-year period, to something a little more affordable.
“I’d really like to see water services (in Breslau,)” said Shantz.
Township CAO David Brenneman cautioned Shantz, noting that in other, similar situations, township residents have been required to pay the full cost of municipal hookup.
Councillor Ruby Weber concurred.
“I’m not prepared to give direction to staff to look for grants,” said Weber. “It’s contrary to what I think is a policy.”
Shantz noted that her concern was for the residents of Breslau, who were adamant at the previous week’s meeting that they did not want to hook up to municipal services.
“My only comment is be careful what you wish for,” said Shantz.
Councillor Murray Martin said that he felt councillors had “made it clear” that the majority of affected Breslau residents could come back at any time and request municipal services.
“We’d look at it,” said Martin.
Township director of planning and engineering Dan Kennaley told councillors that there is a chance that some residents could hook up when current services are “looped” in that area. Only a small number of residents would be able to hook up, and township staff is now determining what would be a fair price for this service.
Kennaley said a report would be coming to council on the matter.
Martin said he felt that residents shouldn’t have to pay more than what the residents of Elroy Acres did five years ago, when they were forced to hook up to municipal services because of an order by the Ministry of the Environment.
“It’s not their fault they had to wait an additional five years,” said Martin. “I’m not sure if there is support for that kind of thinking or not.”