Concerns continue about Westario Power policies
By Liz Dadson

Huron-Kinloss Council

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Huron-Kinloss council is joining a working group to address concerns about Westario Power's policies and practices.

At the council meeting Monday night (Sept. 21), discussion centered on a letter just received from the Municipality of Brockton, asking if Huron-Kinloss would participate with other member municipalities in order to make a presentation to the company's board of directors.

In June, a letter from Brockton stated that its economic development committee was receiving concerns about the operations and policies of Westario and the adverse effect these were having on development in that community.

One member municipality has advised that a phased subdivision development completed two phases and was embarking on the third when the developer was told by Westario Power that an "up front" deposit of $3,000 per lot to Westario is now required. The developer was doubtful he would continue with the development but because of his commitments and the need to commence with the servicing, "... he is paying Westario under protest and still adamantly opposes these new policies."


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22/09/2009 10:56 PM

 "The mayors are going to get together and discuss Westario Power policies," said mayor Mitch Twolan. "However, we have a representative on the board of directors and we should work through that representative."

"We have a couple of subdivisions in the works that might encounter problems," said administrator Mary Rose Walden.

"They (Westario) are discouraging development," said councillor Jim Hanna. "Even if the heads of council have some dialogue about the problems for development, we still have to talk to Westario Power. I agree with the letter."

Public works director Hugh Nichol said dealing with Westario Power can be frustrating. "They won't take off a streetlight from a pole to remove the pole. We have to remove the streetlight, because Westario Power is not in the streetlight business. But they have the final say about the poles and they decide if a supervisor is required when the streetlight is removed."

Council agreed to join the working group of municipalities that make up Westario Power.

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