Voters in Pakenham Ward questioned councillors about the
fairness of the one-time $120 septage fee for rural residents during an
all-candidates debate Wednesday, Sept. 29.
The Pakenham Business and Tourism Association hosted the
evening event at the Stewart Community Centre, which included candidates from
Pakenham Ward, the public school board, as well as those running for mayor.
Once the floor was opened to questions, Shaun McLaughlin,
who identified himself as a Ramsay Ward candidate but a Pakenham Ward voter,
told both councillor-hopefuls and mayoralty candidates that the one-time tax
levy for septage, coupled with usage fees, is unfair. Others also touched on
the financial arrangements surrounding the new waste water treatment facility.
Not all candidates agreed the one-time charge to rural
residents is unfair.
Mayoral candidate Brenda Hurrle explained the waste water
treatment plant is necessary because the lagoons are 40 years old and the
Ministry of the Environment has told the municipality to do something about
waste water treatment.
The one-time capital charge of $120 is reasonable, Hurrle
said, noting Almonte Ward residents are looking at a $3,000 to $4,000 per
household debt load.
Whether it’s mandated by the province or not, building a
waste water treatment plant is the responsible approach to dealing with
septage, mayoral-hopeful Jane Torrance said. She indicated she also agrees with
the $120 charge.
John Levi, one of three running for the mayor’s post,
indicated that, as a rural resident, he’s willing to pay his share of the
capital costs.
Pakenham Ward incumbent Denzil Ferguson and candidate Duncan
Abbot also indicated their support for the charge, which Abbot called a “small
slice.”
Phil Warland, meanwhile, argued that it’s hard to justify
the $120 charge when he has no control over which way the hauler turns once the
truck leaves his property.
“I think it will be settled before the election anyway,” he
told the room full of voters. “If you find it unfair, make sure you cast your
ballot accordingly.”