NOTL pump issue resolved
A six-year dispute between St. Davids residents and the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake over ownership and costs associated with grinder pumps has been resolved.
After another lengthy discussion last week and a meeting with the town’s solicitor Monday, council decided to reimburse the cost of the warranty program for the original property owners who were provided with pumps to lift sewage into the sanitary system.
Over 90 property owners were supplied with the sewage lift pumps by the town about 10 years ago. The homeowners were responsible for the installation and maintenance of the equipment.
Since then, several grinder pumps have failed and others required servicing within the first few years. The town had offered a rebate program to assist St. Davids residents with repairs that ended in 2013.
Last June, the St. Davids Ratepayers Association asked the town to purchase all grinder pumps that have been installed by homeowners and assume responsibility for the maintenance and replacement costs either through an insurance program or another system.
On Monday, St. Davids resident Collette Murdoch argued against a staff recommendation for only the reimbursement for warranty costs and not ownership of the equipment. She said the pump was left in her driveway by the town without her consent and she was required to hook it up to the sewer system.
“We pay the same rates for services as others (taxpayers) plus hydro to run our pumps,” said Murdoch. “We cannot and will not micromanage the town’s sewer system.” Town solicitor Callum Shedden said once the grinder pumps are installed in a house, they become part of the property of the residence and do not belong to the town.
“I have a concern that we as a council would be legally obligated in some way,” said Coun. Maria Bau-Coote, prompting council to finish their discussion at an incamera meeting with Shedden.
Of the original 98 property owners who were given grinder pumps, 47 of them are still living in their homes. Council decided to reimburse these 47 owners for an external sewer line warranty program at a cost to the town of up to $3,300 per year.