Brechin Sewers - Is this $7.5 Million Project Really Needed?

If you were like me, and attended this meeting of Ramara's Special Committee of the Whole, you would be wondering the same thing to. The town's planning consultants, CC Tatham presented what was to me the gold plated version for the proposed sewer network upgrades.

FYI one of CC Tathams’ engineers drove off in a BMW SUV - doing business with the Ramara Tsp - PRICELESS.

For $7.5 million the township would:
Expand its current sewage plant at Lagoon City.
Expand and upgrade the current sewer mains network to allow the town of Brechin and the Ramara’s Industrial Park to link on.

The plan presented by CC Tatham, what could be described as the loaded model. It would includes all the bells and whistles. Can the users of the proposed user only funded project afford such a model. More importantly is this project needed at all?
The proposed upgrades would be billed to each user, at the proposed cost of $16 000.

The town’s CAO Richard Bates, stated “we have a big environmental problem (in this region)” What problem is that? I have never seen any documented evidence to this effect. If there is, does it mandate a $7.5 million fix?

Clr. Kahler, who is one of the 2 members of council who represent constituents will be directly benefit from the sewer upgrade commented on the fact the part of the existing problem may lie with failing private septic systems, and that the solution must the individual fixing their private system, at their own expense.

The township’s Bylaw enforcement officer made comment that there does exist a problem with failing private systems, and that if found deficient, a homeowner would have 30 days to make the necessary improvements. That my mean installing a brand new septic system, at a cost of $30 000.

Deputy Mayor Clarke commented that another potential problem is that private mains, that link homes to the main lines may be cracked, and that surface and ground water may infiltrate the sewage. These cracked may exist in the main lines as well. This results in additional sewage needing to be treated. The current sewage plan has a finite capacity to handle waste. So a cheaper alternative may require only fixing the mains infrastructure, and thereby reducing to flow into the sewage plant.

Council will have to look at the proposed design and see if savings can be found at various elements, while making sure the modifications will comply with government standards, as well the current and future needs of its users.

As well as design and performance considerations, the township needs to consider the financial needs of those users who will be forced to link into the sewage network. The township proposes this project to be funded only by its current users and developers of future properties. We know that this is not true. For example any township properties on the network will have these costs passed on to all ratepayers. Brechin Public School will join the network, so general ratepayers will see this cost on their school levies. The township has spend to date $470 000 and design and studies relating to this project, which was funded by Ramara ratepayer tax levies. Finally the township proposes to grant $500 000 from a reserve fund, to subsidize the project. During this meeting I was unable to determine what funds were used to contribute to this reserve. It is my understanding that no tax levies were used, but I will ask for clarification from the Township’s treasurer.

Finally it is the position of Ward 2 Clr. O’Donnell, that “If we build it, they will come”. He has stated on numerous occasions that aside from an environmental need for the sewers, that there is a financial benefit for the township. He speaks of developers waiting to come, once new sewer system is in place. I would say to Clr. O’Donnell get these phantom developers to make a deputation to council, and get their desire to invest in Ramara, on the record.

If you want, “Bang for the buck”, Ward 1 Clr. White stated on Friday, let’s get rolling on developing the Rama/Atherley Road corridor. Clr. White envisions growth in this area could be used to finance the Brechin sewer project. What about municipal services in this area. Clr. White stated that it will be the developers and not the municipality that would foot this bill.

I am starting to see a North/South split in Ramara council. The north is represented by Wards 1 and 3. The south by Wards 2, 4 and 5. The balance of power would reside with the Mayor and Dep. Mayor.

DECISIONS! DECISIONS! DECISIONS!

When I left this meeting on Friday, I was unconvinced of the need to build a sewer network like the one made in the proposal. I am convinced that current capacity will be sufficient to handle current loads. Are the current plant operations to provincial environmental standards? I don’t recall this point being mentioned.

What is the state of the sewer mains? What would it cost rehabilitate them to meet current and future demands and environmental standards? What about private mains? How do you determine their current status? What would it cost homeowners to rehabilitate their private mains?

Are Ramara ratepayers, who will not benefit from this sewer program, be required to subsidize this project? In Severn Township they imposed a $75 Annual Environmental Levy (ie TAX). Unless council passes a resolution that prohibits the use of general taxation, for this project, it will happen.

This was only a proposal. Wait and see how these costs balloon if/when it goes to tender. Costs will go up.

I have little confidence in the township's ability to administer such a project. I look to the problems with the McNabb Drain, and a recent bylaw that was enacted by the township to recoup cost overuns, and apparently the drain still does not function properly on those properties w. of Hwy 12.

If your property is within the boundaries of this sewer network, I recommend you keep on top if council activities in Ramara. Be afraid.... I am!