Residents in Breslau, Ontario, who were hit 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. At a recent Woolwich Township council meeting, neighbors affected by the bill were granted additional time to settle their dues, with the option of entering a 20-year payment plan that includes waived interest.
During the meeting, Mayor Sandy Shantz empathized with residents, acknowledging the distress and frustration caused by the unexpected bill. She assured them of the council’s commitment to support and address their concerns, emphasizing the importance of resident input and the council’s dedication to assisting them through the process.
The township recently issued a notice to 25 property owners, requiring each household to pay $13,950.19 to cover the total project cost of $348,754.75, following a neighborhood vote in 2014 where 77% of residents opted for the extension of water and sewer services. Due to litigation with the construction company, the billing process was delayed until now, prompting the council to offer extended payment options to affected residents.
Originally, residents were given until December 12 to pay in full or choose a 20-year installment plan with an interest rate of 6.7%. Following feedback from the community, the deadline to decide on payment methods was extended to the end of May 2026.
At the council meeting, residents expressed concerns over the tight time frame for decision-making and the high interest rate associated with the payment plan. They questioned the legitimacy of the bylaw used to levy costs and requested transparency regarding the 2014 vote that initiated the project.
In response to residents’ demands, Councilor Evan Burgess and Councilor Bonnie Bryant proposed a motion to cover the full cost on behalf of the township, citing inadequate communication with residents over the years. However, concerns were raised about the financial implications of absorbing the entire expense, leading to a compromise where the interest rate was waived, and the payment deadline was extended.
Ultimately, a motion put forward by Councilor Schwindt to waive the interest rate and grant residents more time to settle their bills was unanimously approved. Residents now have until May 1, 2026, to inform the township of their preferred payment method and until September 2026 to pay off the outstanding balance, providing them with a more manageable timeline for repayment.