Residents of a Breslau neighborhood in Ontario were taken aback after receiving a notice demanding almost $14,000 per household for water and sewer upgrades completed on their street ten years ago. The letter, issued on October 27 by Woolwich Township, was sent to 25 properties along Scheifele Place, Woolwich Street South, Dolman Street, and Joseph Street, requiring each household to pay $13,950.19 to cover the total project cost of $348,754.75.
Kayla Jager, a resident on Woolwich Street since 2018, expressed shock at the substantial amount, calling it unfair and expressing uncertainty on how to proceed, given the financial burden. Jager and her neighbors were not informed about the potential charges until receiving the recent letter.
The notice, reviewed by CBC News, revealed that the township council passed a bylaw on October 7 to enforce the expenses on property owners benefiting from the municipal servicing works. Residents have until December 12 to pay the bill or can opt to include it in their tax payments, with yearly installments of $1,286.25 over 20 years.
Jager voiced concerns about the lack of benefit for residents like herself, who rely on septic tanks and wells, and worried about neighbors on fixed incomes struggling to cover the unexpected bill.
Michael Lamb, a real estate lawyer and professor, advised residents to check if they have title insurance to address property ownership challenges. He emphasized the importance of scrutinizing the legality of the bylaw and the township’s adherence to regulations.
Jared Puppe, Woolwich’s director of infrastructure services, acknowledged the failure in communication with residents regarding the charges. He mentioned a delay in resolving litigation with the construction company post-project completion in 2016, leading to the current billing situation.
Puppe acknowledged the financial strain on residents and urged them to contact the township’s finance department to discuss payment options and possible hardships. Residents have been granted an extension until May 2026 to settle the charges in full, with defaulting residents automatically placed on the 20-year payment plan.
Efforts to prevent similar situations in the future are underway, with a commitment to improved communication and transparency with affected residents to avoid surprises and ensure informed decision-making when purchasing properties.