The Town of The Blue Mountains has been asked to assume the water distribution assets of a local condominium corporation.
Bob Welling, President of Grey Condominium Corporation 63 (GCC 63), East Ridge, appeared as a delegation at council’s meeting on May 10 to request the town assume ownership of the East Ridge water distribution system.
Welling made a presentation to council outlining the long history of the issue that dates back to 2009 when discussions about the town taking over ownership started. Welling said the long back-and-forth conversation about the water system has been frustrating for local residents and he said their prime concern is water safety and security.
“I’m here to ask the council to proceed to allow discussions between town staff and GCC 63 to complete the process started in 2009,” said Welling.
The system, Welling said, is essentially a public system already. The town provides the water, each home is metred and every home pays the monthly water and sewer charge.
“It’s easier for the town to own it. We would accommodate you in any way that is necessary,” said Welling.
Town staff advised council that the issue is very complex. In most condominium circumstances, the town delivers a waterline to the property and the distribution system that delivers water to the individual homes is the responsibility of the condo corporation. In East Ridge, the town’s main trunk line runs through the condo corporation property and several homes are fed directly by the trunk line.
Additionally, the town has multiple condo corporations that could possibly come forward with a similar request if such an arrangement is made with East Ridge.
Town staff will deliver a full report about the issue to council at its committee of the whole meeting on May 16.
“We want to make the right recommendation to council,” said CAO Shawn Everitt.
