Residents of Prince Edward Estates will be seeing no relief from elevated wastewater rates.
During Wednesday’s Quinte West Council meeting, council voted against a motion to reduce the wastewater rates for the subdivision, in order to match the standard rate across the municipality.
The standard wastewater rate in Quinte West is $41 monthly, while the elevated rate charged to homes in Prince Edward Estates is $91.
Prince Edward Estates is the only development being charged a higher legacy rate. The extra charge is due to the development being run on a separate water treatment plant, with the cost of the separate plant split among users as per the original subdivision agreement. This rate is intended to drop as more homes are completed, and has already dropped from $136.15 monthly when the plant was first opened.
Council engaged in vigorous debate over the motion. Councillor David O’Neil opposed removing the elevated rate.
“I believe we must carefully consider whether it is appropriate for the city to cover the estimated annual shortfall of nearly $200,000 a year,” said Councillor O’Neil. “As councillors, we must ensure we are making the best financial decisions for all Quinte West residents and adhering to our established agreements.”
In a recorded vote, the motion failed 9-4. Councillors Alyea, McCue, and Sharpe along with Mayor Harrison voted in favour.
