Photo by B. Shakyaver
In a surprising turn of events, the municipality of South Huron officially struck down the proposed Grand Bend Trunk Sewer extension during Monday’s (December 18) meeting, dismissing what Infrastructure Manager Don Giberson had hailed as a “huge win” for the municipality.
Despite an earlier recorded vote on December 6th, where all councilors, except Councilor Marissa Vaughan and the absent Councilor Wendy McLeod-Haggitt, recommended the approval of the project, Councilors Milt Dietrich and Ted Oke voted against the approval yesterday evening.
The previous Committee of the Whole recommended that the Municipality enter a draft cost sharing for a new trunk sewer line alongside the developer Tridon – with South Huron paying to oversize the services by 25% in anticipation of future development in the area.
Councillor Vaughan emphasized the importance of sustainable growth, leveraging existing infrastructure, and avoiding arbitrary decisions that may overlook future plans and operating costs.
Councilor Aaron Neeb pointed to a housing and population update, projecting a significant increase in Huron County’s population by 2051. Neeb argued that the sewer extension was crucial for accommodating anticipated growth, and was making good on an investment that they made in phase one of the sewer extension.
Councilor McLeod-Haggitt, cited financial pressures from ongoing projects and expressed concerns about the financial burden on residents and the potential need to increase user fees following an upcoming wastewater management study.
Mayor George Finch, appreciative of resident engagement, underscored the decision’s long-term impact on the Grand Bend area, positioning it beyond the 20-year horizon. He stated that the investment was one that would help spur development in the Port Blake area well beyond any of their tenures on council.
In a recorded vote, Councilors McLeod-Haggitt, Vaughan, Oke, and Dietrich voted against the reccomendation, striking any future of the project from the table.
Written by: B. Shakyaver