A new watering restrictions bylaw is one step closer to reality after Guelph-Eramosa council gave it a first and second reading last week.
Mayor Chris White explained the purpose of the bylaw is to conserve water and prevent people from taking advantage of the existing rules, which council and staff agree were too lenient.
“We had problems last year,” White said. “Anyone that saw a loophole [in the bylaw] took advantage of it.”
For that reason, White is opposed to any “softening” of the bylaw, as proposed by councillor John Scott last week.
Scott said he understands “the essence of what is intended” with the new bylaw, which he said was “extremely well done.” But he questioned how that new bylaw will be enforced.
Particularly Scott wondered what the township would do if residents did allow water to pool on their lawns, or water to hit a sidewalk or driveway – both of which are prohibited in the new township regulations.
White said the idea is to have everything spelled out clearly so the township can enforce it, if necessary.
“That doesn’t mean we won’t be reasonable,” White added. He said staff will likely issue warnings before any fines are imposed.
Public Works Manager Ken Gagnon agreed. He said softening the bylaw simply makes it harder to enforce, and added that it will be up to staff to decide when and how to enforce the bylaw.
Clerk Janice Sheppard was also opposed to any easing of the restrictions. “The idea is to leave no room for interpretation,” she said.
White said the township hopes to have a public relations campaign in April or May to make residents aware of the new watering bylaw.
Gagnon added the campaign will include an information pamphlet, which will be mailed separately from taxes.
Scott asked for a review of the bylaw and its effectiveness at the end of this summer. The rest of council agreed that was a good idea.
Councillor Reta Moyer asked if the township is looking into the possibility of offering rain barrels to residents.
Scott said the environmental stewardship committee is considering that for this summer, although the details have yet to be worked out.
Moyer also asked if there could be an exemption in the watering bylaw for older residents, or those otherwise physically unable to hand water plants or trees.
Gagnon said providing such an exemption would likely be “a nightmare.”
White said the township could deal with that issue if and when it unfolds.
Council unanimously passed the first and second reading of the bylaw. Councillor Roger Knapp was absent.
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The township has now released information about its rain barrel program. For $52 plus tax, residents can buy a 55 gallon barrel to be placed under downspouts to collect rainwater for use on lawns and gardens.
The goal of the program is to reduce household water waste and stormwater run-off, as well as increase awareness of water conservation issues.
More information is available on the township’s website at www.get.on.ca or at the Brucedale office.
