Seniors who rent need water bill assistance too

RE: ST. CATHARINES WATER/WASTEWATER SENIOR HOMEOWNER CREDIT PROGRAM

I am writing in regards to the above program. I was new to St. Catharines in June of 2017. I rent a house on Cecil Street as I am a senior and no longer wish to own property. I do however pay all my utilities at this house including the water bills. Back in the summer of 2017 I received an orange flyer regarding water costs etc. The flyer also mentioned the above program. In August I called city hall and explained my situation. I was told I would qualify for this program.

In October I took all my papers needed for this program to city hall and the person at counter filled out the forms for me and off I went expecting to get the credit.

Last month I received a letter saying that as I was not the homeowner I was not entitled to this program.

After three phone calls saying that I am not the home owner and only home owners are eligible, I understand. I do however feel the mayor and council should reconsider this program. I am sure I am not the only senior renting in St. Catharines who is paying their own water bills and we deserve to have the credit also. So I am asking that this be brought up for consideration.

Sharon Jones

St. Catharines