Breslau Residents Face $14K Bill Each for Decade-Old Sewer Project

Residents of Breslau, Ontario, are grappling with an unexpected financial burden stemming from a decade-old sewer project. Each household on Scheifele Place, Woolwich Street South, Dolman Street, and Joseph Street has been notified to pay nearly $14,000 for water and sewer work completed in 2016.

Breslau’s Unexpected Sewer Bill

The letter, sent by Woolwich Township on October 27, details a bill of $13,950.19 per property. This charge totals approximately $348,754.75 for the entire project. Kayla Jager, a Woolwich Street resident since 2018, expressed her disbelief over the amount. She voiced concerns about the fairness of the situation, noting the lack of prior communication regarding these charges.

Communication Lapses

The township council approved a bylaw on October 7 to allocate the costs to the property owners benefiting from the works. Jager, who utilizes a septic tank and well, fears that many of her neighbors on fixed incomes will struggle with this financial strain. In her view, residents were not informed adequately about any potential financial responsibilities.

Legal Considerations

Michael Lamb, a real estate lawyer, recommended that residents review their title insurance. This insurance may cover municipal issues that were not disclosed at the time of property purchase. Lamb emphasized the importance of investigating whether the township adhered to proper procedures and whether the bylaw is legitimate.

Historical Context

In 2014, 77 percent of residents supported extending water and sewer services to their area. However, the project faced legal challenges with the construction company, which delayed the billing process until 2024. Jared Puppe, Woolwich’s director of infrastructure services, admitted that the township failed to communicate effectively with residents during this time, leading to confusion and frustration.

Payment Options and Deadlines

• Residents can pay the bill by December 12, 2024.
• Alternatively, they may opt to include the bill in their tax payments, with annual installments of $1,286.25 over 20 years.
• After new communications, residents now have until May 2026 to settle their accounts.

Puppe encouraged residents, particularly those facing financial hardship, to reach out to the finance department to discuss their circumstances and available options. The township is keen to improve its communication strategy moving forward, ensuring residents are well-informed about any future financial responsibilities related to municipal services.