Tignish carrying out utility review

Lagoon expansion will result in rate increase

A review of the Town of Tignish sewer and water utility will be getting underway shortly. Council accepted a recommendation from a hiring committee for short-term employment, three to four weeks, to conduct the review to insure rates are properly charged based on number of units and formula provided by the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission.

Mayor Allan McInnis said the town is still awaiting new rates from IRAC, but acknowledged the rates will be increasing to help cover the cost of a new lagoon cell added last year.

Except for an issue with the UV light, the expanded lagoon facility is working properly, the mayor said. The town is checking with the Environment Department and a consulting firm to rectify the issue, but in the meantime, the issue is being addressed through frequent cleaning of the light.

The town has received restitution for damage caused to a garbage bin, but McInnis told an RCMP officer during Monday’s monthly council meeting his council is disappointed with the way the file was handled. McInnis learned earlier in the day that the four youth who were accused of committing the damage were referred to a juvenile diversion program rather than formally charged.

The mayor had stated council’s position last fall was to have the individuals charged.

“It’s just to show example that these young individuals can’t come into Tignish and do what they want, when they want, and get off scot-free,” McInnis said Tuesday in explaining his position.

The diversion program is intended to hold individuals accountable for their actions. The town was paid in full, $255, for the damages caused after a vehicle plowed through a garbage bin.