The Council of the Township of Whitewater Region motioned to approve entering into a successive two-year agreement renewal with the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), commencing November 12, 2020.
Environmental Services Superintendent Steve Hodson presented the new agreement, which will renew the agreement ending on November 11.
Councillor Nicholson questioned the agreement cost “I don’t want it to be something like the OPP cost, where we have no ability to influence it”
“We can throw around scenarios if we go back to the do-it-ourselves model.” Hodson said, including that the Township handled its own water before 2013
“We were also doing it very haphazardly. We were understandings.” he said. “We weren’t focusing on what has changed.”
“We had two operators. We were very lucky we didn’t run into problems.”
“Unfortunately, this is the cost of doing business. And it’s only going to be increasing.”
Lane Cleroux added that the salary portion of the agreement was “just over $500,000”.
Nicholson said that if they did assume responsibility, it would have to start “immediately”. He also said it was no reflection on OCWA’s performance.
CAO Robert Trembley also said that the new Cobden Sewage plant would influence the future costs.
Councillor Mackay asked if there were any private companies that would perform the same services, and Hodson said he would compare prices with OCWA.
Councillor Jackson “The factor that would be the challenge if we were to do it on their own was to find qualified people.” Councillor Jackson said. “OCWA has qualified people. While I know the costs are quite large, and know the costs that are put forward right now will be very huge, and I don’t see the kind of savings you are.”
Councillor McLaughlin said they need to “be open to quotes” regarding it.
“Maybe the next two years is okay, but I think we need to at least be looking at doing our homework and checking it out.”
Councillor Olmstead asked for clarification as to the cost. Hodson said the number was an estimate and would come back with a new estimate.
“We will go through the reconciliation. It could be less, it could be more, but history has shown it usually to be less.”
He also said they could terminate with a year’s notice.
Olmstead also asked if it was a “prime example” for the Shared Services. Clereux is it was ‘not a priority’.
CAO Trembley said there was a possibility of collaboration with other municipalities in the future.
Nicholson said that they would have to accept the agreement without an alternative available immediately and would need prior notice.
“We need to plan for two years for now.” Nicholson said.
Nicholson also asked about the sewage plants solid sludge disposal in the landfill, and how that would affect the lifespan of the landfill. Cleroux said it “would not be an issue”
“It would probably show us an upwards of 60,000 savings.” Cleroux said.
Reeve Regier emphasized that under the Township, they had “two gentlemen” running the program alone and emphasized the danger of that..“You’re gonna pay, and you’re gonna pay dearly for it.”
Mayor Moore asked about the completion date for the sewage plant, and Clereux said there would be a ‘four month delay’ due to COVID and other factors, and said he would ‘know that answer better’ in a few weeks.
The motion was voted on and carried.
