James and Susan Peavoy of Hillsburgh may have to wait a bit longer for a resolution to flooding woes.
Last month, the Peavoys approached Erin council regarding flooding issues on their property on 19 George Street dating back almost a decade.
In their letter to council, the pair stated “we have been flooded out since 2004 and have spent thousands of dollars on maintenance and repairs due to the ongoing flooding of our properties caused by the development north of us.”
In addition, the issue affects their neighbours as well, with water flowing through the Peavoy property onto the neighbour’s property and septic system.
“We ourselves have had to live under the stress of flooding every day for the past eight years with no end in sight. We had hoped that the town was going to fix the problem or at least acknowledge the problem exists.”
The letter also stated that instead of sidewalks, there are now deeper ditches to accommodate water coming onto the property.
“Of course, the water still comes down onto our property, pool area, paddocks, pasture, and basement from the development north of us.”
“After council, staff and Triton Engineering having tours of our property, and ourselves attending at council meetings, handing out pictures and history, we have had no official correspondence from the town and council offering a solution to the problem.”
“Once, at a council meeting, we were assured that the problem would be remedied. We are long time residents and taxpayers in this community and are not planning to leave.”
As chair of the meeting, councillor John Brennan commented that “there was some notification of potential litigation which was filed within the past two year time frame.”
He said because the file is still considered “alive,” based on advice given to council, “we will listen to what you have to say, but we will not engage in any discussion with you.”
Consultant Dave Hunter stated the issue had gone on since 2004 “and we’re looking for a resolution.”
He contended that as a result of the northern development, the Peavoys had lost the total value of their house.
“We feel council should be addressing this and not letting it drag on further until there is a legal action.”
He wanted confirmation that the municipality would address the flooding issue.
“We need to know where we go from here.”
Brennan reiterated his previous comment and stated “at this point, we really cannot enter into any discussion. If anything else develops, we will let you know.”
