Irrigation going down the drain
Shannon LeClair – Times Reporter
Talk of the residential irrigation, RI, lines has become a source of discontent amongst council. Two weeks ago a notice went out to the public stating the cost to use the irrigation was going up from $33 to $180, which worked out close to a 600 per cent increase. Council also wanted to sign 500 people up to use the irrigation by May 5, or the service would no longer be offered. Of the 500 requested only 103 people signed onto the irrigation.
“I’m vehemently opposed to shutting it down,” said Councillor Earl Best. Best was recommending in council May 6, that the system could be shut down for two years while repairs were made. It will cost the Town $3.4 million to repair the pumps, and Mayor George Lattery doesn’t know where the money will come from.
“We’re going to spend $3.4 million on 640 people, that’s going to cost taxpayers,” said Lattery. “13,000 people could tie into it right now, but only 650 people used it last year. Some people who may want it but can’t have it because it’s not available in the newer areas,” said Dwight Stanford, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Strathmore.
“We underestimated how big a task this is,” said Councillor Bob Sobol. “It’s a great concept but a terrible system.”
Councillor Lois Wegener was not in favour of closing the RI either and requested a two week extension allowing residents a chance to come to the next council meeting and discuss how they feel.
“Maybe taxpayers might have some ideas we don’t,” said Wegener. If more than 500 people sign up for use of the RI, then the cost could come down.
“I’m just trying to break even,” said Lattery. “It has cost taxpayers $156,000 to run for nothing.”
“Only certain people have access, it’s not fair for certain citizens to subsidize,” said Councillor Brad Walls.
Each section of the RI is independent and it would be possible to shut down and repair one section at a time. The big concern for Lattery is still where will the money come from. He asked numerous times what would happen if 500 people don’t sign up for the service, and no one had an answer for him.
According to Epcor it will cost approximately $750,000 to repair each section. “Hopefully there will be new info at the end of May, we can analyze and make a decision then,” said Councillor John Rempel.
Town council will be meeting again on May 19 to discuss the RI further. In order to be on the agenda and have a say, citizens must request time before May 13.