A community in Breslau, Ontario, faced with a steep bill of nearly $14,000 per household for sewer and water upgrades completed on their street ten years ago, is urging Woolwich councillors to address their grievances. The residents are scheduled to voice their concerns during a council session on Tuesday evening, as indicated in the township’s council agenda.
According to CBC News, the group intends to question the validity of the procedures that led to the invoicing and hopes that the council will take their viewpoints into account. Recently, 25 property owners were notified by the township that each household was required to pay $13,950.19 to cover the total project cost of $348,754.75.
In 2014, a majority of 77% of residents in the area supported the extension of water and sewer services to their properties. However, a legal dispute between the township and the construction company ensued upon the completion of the project in 2016, with the resolution not occurring until 2024, resulting in the current billing situation.
Residents were initially given until December 12 to settle the bill or had the option to spread the payment over 20 years with annual installments of $1,286.25. The township has now extended the payment deadline until May for residents to clear the outstanding amount in full. Residents also mentioned meeting with Ward 3 Coun. Bonnie Bryant last week to discuss the matter, although responses from Bryant and Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz were unavailable.
Jared Puppe, the director of infrastructure services, admitted to CBC News that the township should have communicated the charges more effectively to residents. Puppe acknowledged the financial burden of the nearly $14,000 bill and the frustration felt by neighbors. He encouraged residents to reach out to the township’s finance department to explore payment options, especially for those facing difficulties in settling the charge.