On the agenda for Monday, May 2nd:
Councillor Bondy
Moved by Councillor Bondy
Seconded by ____
That Council request from Administration an updated sanitary
sewage and storm water capacity for all wards in the Town of
Essex
Why Ask This?
Due to concerns raised by residents on new homes and housing developments, I believe this is an important question to have an answer to. During my time on council, I have been made aware of a study done on both Essex Ward 1 and Harrow but I am not aware of how much capacity we currently have left. In my opinion, this is important information to get ahead of when doing our long term planning.
I am all for growth and development but we also need to have smart, strategic growth along with community buy-in. I also want to work hard to ensure we have the capacity to grow without negatively impacting current residents.
During the council discussion I mentioned that we are growing and this information would be helpful to council. With Horizon development coming and 400 new more homes to the Colchester area, as a Councillor I would like to be able to answer concerns from the public about capacity.
Councillor Vander Doelen asked to add water capacity to look at drinking water constraints.
Mayor Meloche said asking for the information is very expensive. He also suggests that we probably know.
Comments from Director Girard
Director Girard stated that this is a complicated question with multiple components to it. Sanitary sewers are made up of two systems, conveyance and treatment, each with different capacity limits.
Ward 3 does not have a capacity assessment for drainage as it’s rural, it follows the drainage act. We do have a storm sewer model of Harrow and Essex, Ward 1.
Large development proposals within the Town are required to conduct functional servicing reports which outline how much of services that development requires. The report would show storm water capacity and sanitary sewage capacity within the area to see if the development would negatively impact the area. Any upgrades to the development would also be assessed and studied so we are doing our due diligence as an administration. This is to ensure that the town’s infrastructure is protected and ensure capacity is there for existing development and existing infrastructure.
Regardless of whatever council’s appetite is to move forward, providing a report to council would be a large undertaking. Not saying that it can not be done, it can, but considering our work load it will take significant time.
Watch the Full Discussion here at the 2:11 Mark
