The Saugeen Times

Second Public Meeting on Sewers

Town Council

(L) Vice-Deputy Mayor, Doug Gowanlock, Mayor Mike Smith, Councillor Dianne Huber and Councillor Victoria Serda

The town of Saugeen Shores held the second of its mandatory public meetings on Saturday, June 20th at the Plex in Port Elgin, regarding the proposed new sanitary sewer project for the area north of the Saugeen River.

Application for funding, under the recent infrastructure stimulus fund set up by the Federal and Provincial governments, was approved for a total of more than $17 million. Each level of government covers one-third of the cost with the remaining one-third to be assumed by residents who will have no option but to link in to the new sewer system should it be approved.

The first of the two meetings was held Wednesday, June 17th with close to 300 people attending at Southampton's Town Hall. Although today's crowd was somewhat smaller, it was no less vocal with the majority expressing disagreement with the project.

Although the meetings were to focus on the environmental aspects of the project, residents attending expressed many concerns in several areas. Apparently, the area in question north of the Saugeen River has, according to a recent study by Gamsby & Mannerow, a consulting engineering company authorized by the town, "experienced significant development pressure and continues to evolve from a seasonal cottage community on private services to include a growing number of more permanent dwellings and commercial properties on partial urban services".

Engineer John Slocum, explained to those attending that there were alternatives when it comes to installing a sanitary sewage system, besides doing nothing.

Alternative #1: (favoured)
Gravity Sewer collection system with two pumping stations and forcemain to the existing sewage treatment plant located in Southampton

Alternative #2:
Low pressure sewage collection system

requires pressurizing system and pumping stations to delivery flows via forcemain to sewage treatment plant
similar capital cost as #1 for municipal portion plus sewage pumps required by property owners
greater operating and maintenance costs
additional annual costs incurred directly by property owners

Alternative #3:
Gravity sewage collection system to a new treatment plant

- two pumping stations required
capital costs and operating & maintenance costs would be far greater for a new treatment plant compared with a forcemain discharging to the existing treatment plant
screening, grit removal and a new outfall to Lake Huron would be required for a new treatment plant

During 'question and answer' time, residents raised the issue of septic systems and whether or not a study had specifically be done to examine their capacity for providing adequate sewage breakdown and containment.

Long-time resident, Norm Gurr, held up a bottle of water taken from the Saugeen River. "All of this," he said, "is going into the Lake Huron. Septic systems today have proven to be very efficient, where matter, broken down by bacteria then passes into the ground to nourish plant life. Show us that there is a problem with the septic systems and we'll fix it. I hope and pray that Council does the right thing. The only way to be a great council is to ask the people their opinions and then listen to them."

One of the questions raised was the costs involved. Dave Burnside, head of Engineering for the town, explained that they [the town] hoped to have a better handle on things once all the information comes in.

Southampton resident, Archie Gillies, inquired as to the capacity of the existing treatment plants today. Burnside replied that each of the plants, Southampton and Port Elgin were at 60 to 65 per cent capacity and, if the sewer system project goes through, the Southampton plant will come up to 80 to 85 per cent capacity. "I don't know why the town isn't looking at the Miramichi Bay area instead," said Gillies. "The development there has been rapid and continues to be and the need is definitely there to upgrade the sanitary sewer system, before the north side of the river, I would think."

Some residents also raised the concern that the proposed project was more about development than the environment and the cost that would weigh heavily on those who were on fixed income and who could least afford the approximate $12,000 that will be payable by each resident to hook into the new system if it goes ahead. In addition several were concerned that a sewer system, and proposed upgrades to roads/streets to include curbs, gutters, storm water outlets and sidewalks will raise property values resulting in heavier taxes and increased assessment.

The Town's Chief Administrator Officer [CAO], Ron Brown, who officiated the meeting said that no decision has been made by council as yet. "We have to wait until all the reports are in, then they are presented to Council for approval. We have not started the design aspect nor have we decided on a formula for payment. Although the two meetings held were required by law, residents asked that an additional meeting be considered once all information is in regarding dollar figure for the proposed figure.

At the end of the question and answer period, Mayor Mike Smith explained that the town was not yet sure that the project would be considered to go ahead. "We want to her from the people and I absolutely agree that we don't have enough information to make a decision. Council and staff have done everything they can to mitigate costs. Vice-Deputy Mayor, Doug Gowanlock, also confirmed no decision has as yet been made about the project however, he did say that as a municipal government, they wanted to expand services as far as they could. "I would also like to encourage people to attend council meetings that are open to the public."

Along the same vein, Councillor Victoria Serda, also encouraged people to become more engaged in the political process insofar as it especially involves their own community. "One of the problems," said Serda, "is that the funding for this and other projects require a two-week time frame. It also required that the project be one that is shovel ready and one that hadn't been considered for the next two years. In other words, we had to put forward projects that we didn't even know how the people would feel about."

Serda also reminded everyone that it was their civic responsibility, as a community, to become more engaged in the political process. "Part of this is about caring about who you elect. You elect council but it's vital that we get your feedback.", as she encouraged everyone to submit the information feedback forms.

As more studies are completed, the town will be updating their on-line site. It is anticipated that, should the project receive the blessing of council, things will not be finalized until late fall.