Breslau, Ont., neighbours hit by a nearly $14,000 per-household bill for sewer and water work done on their street almost a decade ago are getting more time to pay, with the interest waived for those entering a 20-year payment plan.
Woolwich Township council met Tuesday night and heard from impacted neighbours during a lengthy discussion about the bill.
Mayor Sandy Shantz told residents she understands it has caused “worry and frustration.”
“I know it can be really stressful, and I want you to know that we hear that and we understand how upsetting this has been to families,” she said.
“We know this has been difficult. We are committed in walking through this with you. Your concerns matter, your voices matter and we will continue to do what we can to support you.”
Last week, 25 property owners received a letter from the township saying each household had to pay $13,950.19 to cover the cost of the project, which was priced at $348,754.75.
In 2014, 77 per cent of residents in the neighbourhood voted in favour of having water and sewer services extended to their homes. The township went into litigation with the construction company when the work was completed in 2016.
That litigation did not get resolved until 2024, which is why residents were being billed now, the township said.
Residents were initially given until Dec. 12 to pay in full or have the option to add it to their tax bill, paying annual instalments of $1,286.25 for the next 20 years at an interest rate of 6.7 per cent.
The township then informed residents on Nov. 14 they had until Dec. 19 to tell staff how they would be paying, and extended the time to pay it in full to the end of May 2026.
The township said at the time, and during the meeting, it should have done a better job in communicating to residents that the charge was coming.
Mark Schmidt spoke to council on behalf of his neighbours who live on Woolwich Street South
