County passes first reading of public utilities bylaw

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County council approved first reading of the municipal public utilities bylaw, which once passed, will regulate the provision and use of municipal public utility services. 

The bylaw was presented before council during the Aug. 12 meeting. County administration has conducted a review of the bylaw since it was initially adopted in 2021 as the Water and Sewage Service Bylaw. 

The updated bylaw aims to, once passed, reflect broader operational needs, incorporate regulatory improvements, and introduce more services classes such as raw water services. 

Also set out through the bylaw is an easier avenue for users to distinguish between potable water to be used for residential and commercial purposes, and raw water, which is to serve for industrial purposes.

Specific penalties are also outlined for utility-related infractions. This is intended to increase transparency for users and provide a consistent framework for addressing non-compliance. 

Regarding a clause within the proposed bylaw, Coun. Shannon Laprise questioned whether residents would also be protected from liability for damages, including losses caused by breaks within the county’s potable water system, sewage system, or raw water system, or caused by interference or cessation of water. 

Jose Podio-Cuervo, manager of technical services, clarified many of such instances would be taken on a case-by-case basis, with the CAO being able to step in and make adjustments as required. 

The proposed bylaw also now outlines requirements for client-requested shut offs of water services, as well as notation regarding any instance where a tenant or property owner abandons a lot.

Should an instance of abandonment arise, the customer is noted to assume responsibility for all associated costs should they not first receive approval from the CAO to terminate the service connection.

Regarding the section of the proposed bylaw which outlines fire protection and services, council questioned the inclusion of a clause which states the CAO may at any reasonable time, test and inspect private fire protection equipment. 

Reeve Amber Link suggested delineating within the bylaw private fire protection versus those which are connected directly to the county’s water supply in regard to system inspections. 

Following first reading, county administration was directed by council to bring the bylaw back before council during a future meeting with several changes to the bylaw, specifically in regard to all of Section 20, referring to private fire protection.

It was not indicated during the Aug. 12 meeting when the bylaw would return before council.