Council wary of Sharbot Lake water and sewer

by Jeff Green

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Marcel Giroux, a one time Reeve of the former Oso Township, has offered up his services and those of his business partner Wayne Robinson, in doing a “lot of the preparatory research” for the possible installation of municipal water and sewage systems within the village of Sharbot Lake.

In a letter to Central Frontenac Council, Giroux wrote that over 20 years ago, Oso Township received a $900,000 government subsidy to help with a program to improve the wells and septic systems within the village, but that “those benefits have largely been exhausted.”

According to the letter, the topic of sewer and water comes up every time there is a discussion about development of potential apartment buildings, condos, and other similar projects within the village.

Giroux proposes beginning to look at new technologies, and approaching government ministries and agencies for information about funding opportunities for such a project. “Before doing any of this we would like to be reasonably sure that council is comfortable with us doing this task. In addition, it would be most desirable and useful to have a letter acknowledging our support from council in this matter,” Giroux wrote.

In discussing the letter in council this week, Oso Councillor Frances Smith said “I think we should take Wayne and Marcel up on their offer, and let them do the legwork for us.”

“I agree with Frances,” said Hinchinbrooke Councillor Philip Smith, “it’s a good opportunity to get some information.”

Mayor Gutowski said, “I think we should accept the offer.”

Others weren’t as enthusiastic, however. The political fallout in the village of Sydenham over water, and the costs associated with the proposed water and sewer project in the village of Lanark were on the minds of some.

Deputy Mayor Bill Snyder said, “I think this is way down the road myself. Is it going to be area rated?”

Olden Councillor Norm Guntensperger said, “I think a letter of support might implicate us. Members of the public are going to feel snubbed if we go ahead with this.”

“They are not saying we are going to do sewer and water. Gathering information does not commit us to anything,” replied Frances Smith.

“We had a letter earlier about this,” said Kennebec Councillor Gary Smith, referring to a letter from earlier in this year which council received for information purposes, “and we decided it was too soon … I would be reluctant to proceed with a council endorsement of this by private individuals, given their own pecuniary interests in this matter.”

Mayor Gutowski said she did “not see a clear consensus on this” and invited a motion to table a resolution calling for the township to write a letter of support.

The resolution was tabled until an undetermined time.