Thornbury Council Delays Decision on Water and Sewage Allocation Policy
As Thornbury continues to grow, the town is facing increasing pressure on its water and sewage systems. With capacity declining, the need for a clear policy on how allocations are handled has become critical. The current “first come, first served” method is proving insufficient, leaving some developments on hold due to unavailable capacity.
The town’s proposed policy aimed to address these concerns but quickly attracted significant public interest. Kory Chisolm, representing the Georgian Triangle Development Institute, voiced concerns during a council meeting, urging a delay in the policy’s implementation to allow for further consultation with developers. “There are still significant unanswered questions about what is being proposed,” Chisolm stated.
In addition to Chisolm, other notable figures such as Planner Colin Travis and Great Gulf Vice President Ken Hale also presented their perspectives to the council. Despite initial support from council members, including praise for the town staff’s efforts over the past ten months, the decision to approve the policy was ultimately deferred.
The council meeting saw a resolution to approve the staff report on the allocation policy, moved by Deputy Mayor Peter Bordignon and seconded by Mayor Andrea Matrosovs. However, the mayor indicated her intention to defer the decision until after further discussions in September.
This request for deferral led to procedural confusion, extending the council’s discussion. In a 5-1 vote, the initial resolution was defeated, with Coun. Shawn McKinlay absent. The council then passed a second resolution to delay the decision until September.
Deputy Mayor Bordignon was the sole supporter of immediate action. He highlighted the council’s recent declaration of a housing crisis and expressed frustration over the delay in implementing a policy that could favor affordable and attainable housing developments. “If we’re going to practice what we preach,” Bordignon said, “I’m ready to move ahead on this so we can actually get going.”
As the town awaits further consultation in September, the future of Thornbury’s development remains uncertain. The ongoing debate highlights the challenges of balancing growth with sustainable resource management.
- Thornbury Town Council – Link to the official Thornbury Town Council page where readers can find more information about upcoming meetings and council decisions.
- Georgian Triangle Development Institute – A link to the Georgian Triangle Development Institute for more details on their role and perspectives in local development.
- Great Gulf – Link to the Great Gulf website, particularly if readers want to know more about their developments and impact on local infrastructure.
- Ontario Municipal Water Association (OMWA) – A resource on water management practices and policies in Ontario.
- Internal Housing Related Article
