Photo by B. Shakyaver
Ballooning sewer and water rates in South Huron has become cause for concern for many local residents, and local Connie Hachborn took matters into her own hands at council’s meeting last Monday (April 15).
Hachborn took the floor to express her frustration over what she described as exorbitant water rates in the municipality. Hachborn, a newcomer to the area originally hailing from Kitchener, Ontario, voiced her bewilderment at receiving skyrocketing bills, despite her minimal water usage.
Bills are calculated quarterly, based on a usage of 41 cubic meters. *note that this is the rate for a rate payer in Exeter ward.
But how does South Huron’s water rates stack up against neighbouring municipalities?
The average rate payer in Bluewater pays about 20% less, and the average rate payer in Lambton Shores pays about 30% less overall than an Exeter payee would.
Hachborn highlighted the need for better transparency regarding billing and municipal services.
Both Lambton Shores and Bluewater also charge sewer and water base charges, with a portion of your bill in Bluewater directly contributing to the reserve for water projects.
Councillor Wendy McLeod-Haggitt said that many constituents in South Huron find their bills confusing.
CAO Rebecca Msuya-Collison, offered to meet with Hachborn to address her concerns more comprehensively, with assistance from staff.
That being said, with much aging infrastructure in South Huron and beyond, ballooning infrastructure costs are unlikely to decrease anytime soon.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
