Photo by B. Shakyaver
The contentious Grand Bend Trunk Sewer discussion will once again be taking the floor at a committee of the whole meeting – with the date confirmed on Thursday afternoon.
Over three hours of discussion throughout the last two months have yielded little progress.
Initially brought to the table on Monday, September 18th, Councilor Marissa Vaughan asked to move the discussion to a committee of the whole meeting requesting more information about how the cost of the project would be recuperated. The final decision was deferred.
On October 30th, councilors gathered in front of a packed gallery to discuss the matter at a committee of the whole, in which Infrastructure Manager Don Giberson pointed to the long term benefits of the project. Councilor Vaughan raised concerns surrounding budget, as well as lack of official plan in the area. However, Deputy Mayor Jim Dietrich said that the investment would provide huge cost savings in the future, if they choose to develop north of the service area, and considered the investment a simple decision.
The committee of the whole ultimately reccomended to council that they proceed with the cost sharing agreement as proposed.
In a delegation to council on Monday, November 6th, Dave Ross, President of the Oakwood Park Association, presented his case against the sewer extension – citing similar concerns to Councilor Vaughan.
When the cost sharing agreement returned to council on Monday, November 20th, alongside the reccomendation of the Committee of the Whole, Councilor Vaughan once again raised concerns about lack of official plan. Councilor Aaron Neeb highlighted the municipality’s role in addressing the housing crisis by providing more opportunities for development. He also pointed out that the investment would far outlive any official plan.
A recorded vote of 4-3 moved the discussion to an upcoming committee of the whole once more, deferring the final decision to a council meeting to follow.
The previously scheduled budget meeting was bumped in favour of the discussion, and will take place on Wednesday, December 6th at 4pm.
Written by: B. Shakyaver