In light of recent reports on sewage reserve capacities in Arthur and Mount Forest, Wellington North Mayor Mike Broomhead is saying the numbers on paper are somewhat misleading.
Reports from Triton Engineering have decreased the uncommitted reserve capacity at the Arthur sewage treatment plant from 64 to 2 residential units. In Mount Forest, those numbers dropped from 165 to 84.
While the reports were presented to council as information, Broomhead said Wellington North’s policy on development is a “first-come-first-served. I don’t want it to come out that there are only two residential sewage allocations left in the village of Arthur.”
He said the final numbers presented do not account for the number of units that are allocated for development.
Broomhead also said the township is in the midst of a five year study reviewing sewage flows. He noted a recent meeting with MPP John Wilkinson about making better use of the municipal sewage lagoons.
“We’re taking great strides to change this [overall capacity].”
He added it is an ongoing issue.
Broomhead said the numbers change as sewage allocations are used up, or come off the development board.
In Mount Forest, it is a brand new sewage treatment plant, and, as time progresses, the municipality will apply for more capacity. So he considered the figures presented that night “as a little misleading.”
He cited Arthur, where the report states there are only two unreserved units. However, that same report, said there are 173 units, which, although unused, have been allocated to various proposed developments in the community.
The same holds true in Mount Forest where there are 67 units of existing capacity allocated to various developments – leaving 84 units of unreserved capacity.
“We’re still in pretty good shape,” Broomhead said.
But he added it remains important to continue on with the work to improve capacity.
Councillor John Matusinec recommended deferring the reports until additional comments are made at the water and sewer committee.
“It’s important the right message gets out on this,” Broomhead said.
He did not want to see a big panic in Arthur because of an apparent lack of sewage capacity.
“That’s not the case.”
