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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2009-05-07, Page 11THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2009. PAGE 11. Approximately 20 of NorthHuron’s landlords were in WinghamMonday night for a meeting regarding new water rates and billing. With the current economic situation and with Wescast downsizing, landlords are seeing more vacant apartments than ever. So when North Huron, following suit with many of its neighbouring municipalities, informed landlords there would be a base charge for water and sewage, to the tune of over $400 per unit annually, some were not happy. With one pipe running into a building, providing water to all of the units and one pipe running out, exporting sewage, there would be no way to shut off water to one unit specifically, said clerk-administrator Kriss Snell. These services would carry a base rate of $12.50 for water and $20 for sewage per month. Several landlords protested, calling water a commodity, that should be paid for when it is consumed. One ratepayer called the actions illegal and suggested that North Huron would be overriding the provincial government byimplementing these conditions.Snell said a legal document hadbeen circulated at the last publicmeeting where this issue had beendiscussed, proving otherwise. Several landlords said they are running their buildings at 50 per cent occupancy, some saying those vacant apartments could sit vacant for up to one year. Councillor Greg McClinchey said that council was presented with three options when a representative from BM Ross and Associates gave the initial presentation. McClinchey insisted that council went with the option it felt would benefit its residents the most. He said one was heavily-dependent on usage, another was heavily-dependent on infrastructure and the third was a combination of the two, which was what council felt fit North Huron best. Examples were provided based on a family of four, showing the savings that would come to residents who made conscious efforts to reduce their water usage. However, many of the landlords insisted they were not arguing the rates, and that when their apartments are occupied, there should be no problem. It was the charge theywould incur while the apartment wasvacant that concerned them.When McClinchey asked aboutvacancies, perhaps, one year ago,many of the landlords said this hadn’t been a problem. He asked if these issues might have to do with the current state of the economy, which many conceded that it may. Several landlords cited the negative effects this might have on main street business in North Huron. Snell said the system has been in place in Huron East since amalgamation, but one landlord compared the main streets of Wingham and Blyth to the main streets of Brussels and Seaforth, saying it’s clear businesses are having trouble staying open on main streets in Huron East and these rates would cause a similar problem in North Huron. Snell, however, said he compared North Huron’s proposed rates to 13 other municipalities, including large city centres like Waterloo, Sarnia and London, and North Huron came in fourth-cheapest behind those three regions. While a decision was originally supposed to be made on Monday night, the matter has been put off until council’s next meeting on May 18. Local landlords are encouraged to come back with a proposed compromise.Treasurer Donna White said shewould like to see the matter dealtwith promptly, to authorize meters for the Blyth area, so everyonewould be on a level playing field bythe time the new system is proposedto be implemented on July 1. 404 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114 The Citizen Check out these and other books at... DVD’s and Books for the Home and Garden ATTICS, DORMERS AND SKYLIGHTS From the editors of Fine Homebuilding comes this book on how to expand your attic to make it usable space. Information on everything from adding a second story to adding a skylight to creating a bathroom in the attic. $25.95 BUILDING DECKS If a picture’s worth a thousand words what is a 60-minute DVD worth? 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More than 200,000 copies have been printed.$14.95 PAINTING AND DECORATING FURNITURE A more elaborate version of Antique and Country Paint Projects with 300 pages of projects, patterns and tips, including stencil patterns. $29.95 THE PERFECT PUMPKIN Whether you want to grow a record-breaking pumpkin or just one for the family’s jack ’o lantern or Thanksgiving pie this book will give you tips on choosing a variety, getting the seed started, growing, identifying diseases, and finally, cooking and carving. $19.95 The Village Barber Tuesday - Friday 9-5; Saturday 8 - 1 412 Queen Street, Blyth Amanda is our new stylist who will be looking after all perms, colours and foils Tuesdays - Thursday by appointment only Call for an appointment 519-523-9555 (Of course all haircuts are still walk-in only) NOW OFFERING FOIL HILITES is changing to fit your needs ✂✂ ✂✂ Clip and Save Coupon $500 Perm, colour or hilites Expires May 29, 2009 OFF The Wingham and District Hospital Foundation (WDHF) wishes to thank you for your past support. All funds raised by the foundation help to support the Wingham and District Hospital We look forward to your continued generosity. contact the foundation at: (519) 357-3711 x5278 or vitis our office Mondays and Thrusdays 2-4pm Compassion Shannon Thunderbird stopped by East Wawanosh Public School last week for a presentation. Thunderbird taught the students about her culture by telling stories and through many props including drums, which a number of the students were lucky enough to play. (Shawn Loughlin photo) North Huron shops water system with landlordsBy Shawn LoughlinThe Citizen Contact the foundation at (519) 357-3711 x5278 or visit our office Mondays and Thursdays 2-4 pm