Residents in Breslau, Ontario, who were faced with a hefty bill of nearly $14,000 per household for sewer and water work completed on their street almost ten years ago, will now have more flexibility in paying off the amount. Woolwich Township council, during a recent meeting, granted affected neighbors an extended payment period of 20 years with waived interest for those opting for a payment plan.
Acknowledging the distress and frustration caused by the unexpected bill, Mayor Sandy Shantz assured residents that their concerns are valued, and the township is committed to assisting them through this challenging situation. The billing issue arose from a project costing $348,754.75, for which 25 property owners were each required to pay $13,950.19.
The neighborhood had previously voted in favor of extending water and sewer services to their homes in 2014, leading to a project completion in 2016. However, litigation with the construction company delayed the billing process until 2024. Initially, residents were given a deadline of Dec. 12 to pay in full or opt for annual instalments over 20 years with an interest rate of 6.7%.
Following discussions and feedback from residents, the township extended the deadline to inform staff of payment methods until the end of May 2026 and allowed payment in full by September 2026. Concerns were raised by residents, including the high interest rate attached to the extended payment plan, which could result in nearly doubling the total amount paid over the 20-year period.
During the council meeting, residents questioned the legitimacy of the bylaw used to levy costs and requested more transparency on the 2014 resident vote regarding the project. While a motion to have the township cover the entire cost was tabled, it was ultimately defeated, with a decision to draft a policy preventing similar issues in the future.
In response to residents’ concerns, a motion was passed unanimously to waive the interest rate and provide an extended deadline for payment. Residents now have until May 1, 2026, to indicate their preferred payment method and until September 2026 to settle the bill in full, offering them more time and financial flexibility to manage the unexpected expense.