WESTERN MANITOULIN—Both Gore Bay and Gordon/Barrie Island municipal representatives say that a mutual agreement has been reached between the two to streamline water/sewer rates, restoring equal rates for about 35 water users in Gordon/Barrie Island, compared to similar customers in Gore Bay.
“We have reached an agreement,” confirmed Harry Schlange, town manager for Gore Bay. He explained under the agreement, “as of 2024 there will be no surcharge to Gordon/Barrie Island water users and equal rates will be restored compared to similar customers in Gore Bay.”
In an announcement of the agreement January 18 a town release notes, “This collaborative effort reflects a commitment to fair and consistent water/sewer pricing benefiting both municipalities,”
“Effective January 1, 2024, the 20 percent surcharge has been eliminated on all Gordon/Barrie Island water/sewer users,” continued the release. “Customers in Gordon/Barrie Island will receive a personalized letter detailing the impact on their individual accounts.”
Lee Hayden, Gordon/Barrie Island reeve stated, “I believe this is a fair deal for both parties. It’s a fair agreement and in the best interest of both parties.”
“At the end of the day it is a good agreement for both councils,” said Reeve Hayden. He said the mutual agreement, “will be reviewed by newly elected councils for both the town and municipality in future years.”
The agreement is “good news for Gordon/Barrie Island township residents who access the Gore Bay water system,” said Reeve Hayden. “And it also satisfied a slight increase in the town contribution for having the (water treatment plant) building located in Gordon/Barrie Island township. Our council is in favour of the agreement and our ratepayers are going to be happy.”
Reeve Hayden pointed out Gordon/Barrie Island had sent a letter to Gore Bay council dated January 11. “At the January 10 council meeting the letter from the town manager was received and reviewed. This item has been ongoing since the fall of 2021 when the council of Gordon/Barrie Island felt a review was necessary to increase the municipal levy paid by the Town of Gore Bay for the water plant from 20 percent to 50 percent.”
“After a great deal of time trying to work out the proper collection of levies within the parameters of legislation and regulations, the council of the Municipality of Gordon/Barrie Island directs the CAO to collect the 50 percent of the municipal levy as per the original proposal and which the Town of Gore Bay has agreed to,” the letter continues.
It was further explained in the letter, “of the 2023 total levy paid, 50 percent of the municipal levy $4,790.57 and the full amount of the education levy $9,354.40 for a total of $14,144.97 will be returned to the Town of Gore Bay.”
“As of January 1, 2024 Gordon/Barrie Island residents will have equal billing to the Town of Gore Bay residents for water and sewer services and the Town of Gore Bay is the responsible municipality for the infrastructure maintenance.” It is further explained, “the municipality of Gordon/Barrie Island will work with the Town of Gore Bay to collect delinquent accounts for water levies.”
“It is agreed that this agreement will be effective now for the current council term; and will be reviewed next council term. Thank you for your interest in working towards a resolution. It is agreed that this will be effective immediately.”
Mr. Schlange said the new agreement is positive for both municipalities. “This has been a long dispute and we are working together for the common goal of both municipalities.”
Michael Lalonde, Gore Bay treasurer pointed out that any Gordon/Barrie Island water user who was billed for 2024 will have these funds refunded to their account.
