Town begins court proceedings

Times Reporter   

 

The Town of Strathmore has begun court proceedings following numerous unanswered requests of a local business to connect to the town’s water supply. Councillor Brad Walls excused himself from the discussion to avoid a conflict of interest. 

“Five Pillar Holdings has not replied to these requests,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Linda Nelson at the Sept. 3 council meeting. 

“We are asking that council give notice to Hugh Ham to proceed in court with action against the former Wheatland County Inn, now known as the Howard Johnson hotel.” 

“This has been an issue that’s been really a strong concern of mine. I have a great deal of difficulty understanding how a business can operate and have untreated water go to its customers and have them not knowing anything about it,” said Councillor Pat Fule in council.

“People can drive in off the highway, look for a place to stay, go to the restaurant or the lounge have ice in their drinks, have water in their glasses and they are not even aware that untreated water is being served to them. I don’t understand why it’s had to go to this but this issue has really had me up in arms for a long time so I wholeheartedly support this.”

Council and administration have been directed not to comment further on the matter.

This is not the first time the town and Five Pillar Holdings have butted heads. Records can be found online indicating a dispute over the filing of a property and tax assessment that began in 2008. In 2010 the matter was brought forward to the Municipal Government Board for a decision. The board gave Five Pillar Holdings a couple of options to continue on with their appeal.

Five Pillar Holdings could not be reached for a comment by press time.