MOOSE JAW – Once again Moose Jaw’s plan to replace 80 kilometers of aging water mains went before city council on Monday.
In May, council voted to apply to fund the $117 million project through the Local Improvement Program (LIP). In October, the application was submitted to the Saskatchewan Municipal Board.
This would see affected property owners pay 30 per cent of the replacement cost, which according to the city would cost the average homeowner $7400.
READ MORE: Moose Jaw residents concerned about paying for water main replacement
This plan is not sitting well with a group calling themselves Citizens Advocating Sensible Taxation (CAST). At Monday’s meeting, they presented a petition with about 400 signatures stating their opposition to the plan. They’re arguing the LIP would break down to an average of $17,000 for homes and $30,000 for businesses. This is based on an estimated cost of $170 per frontage foot.
Councillor Don Mitchell, who is involved with CAST, brought forward a motion to withdraw the LIP application. It was ultimately defeated in a 4-3 vote.
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“It has to come back to council again with a construction bylaw,” he said. “Just because the Municipal Board says you can go ahead doesn’t mean you have to. This will be challenged again. It’s up to council to decide and we can go another route.”
The Saskatchewan Municipal Board held a public hearing on the application on Dec. 8. At the conclusion of the meeting, they said a decision should be ready in February.
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“Once we get the final decision back from the municipal board, and that will be our final go ahead or not,” said Mayor Deb Higgins, who voted against the application withdrawal. ”
“So that’s our final obstacle at this point and time, waiting for that decision.”
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