The simple question repeated many times at this week’s council meeting was why as part of a series of questions directed at Strathroy-Caradoc Council from residents of Queen Street in Mount Brydges. Some residents are being charged $17,500 for sewer line installation, and this week was an opportunity for residents to voice concerns including comments of potential council lack of transparency on many levels including the sewer installation and the Queen Street reconstruction.
It was apparent during the meeting that many residents were simply surprised by the notice of payment sent to them in a letter informing them of the February 7th Council decision.
As far as a potential lack of transparency, Staff’s report this week did list multiple opportunities for public engagement that occurred during the process including a February 22nd 2022 council meeting, the developer of Timberview Trail did host a public open house during the process, a July 6th , 2020 online public meeting, council meetings themselves, and documents involved with the process available online to the public.
The cost associated with the reconstruction of Queen Street which includes the sewer work will come with a price tag around $1.6 million which is expected to be paid for by the Timberview Trail developer as well as development charges, with the $17,500 mandatory residential fee being solely for the sewer connection on the residential property.
A key point residents in the area should know is that even though the $17,500 fee applies to all those living on Queen Street in Mount Brydges, if a resident did in fact occupy their home before December 15th of 2014, a connection to the sewer lines is not required, however, if they do choose not to connect, the payment of the minimum monthly sewer charge will still be required.
Other concerns included the future existence of Lions Park in Mount Brydges as the local Lions Club did communicate this week that they would not be able to pay the $17,500 fee which could mean a Lions Park closure.
Municipal staff did say they would investigate a Lions Club requested waiving of the fee moving forward.
