Robert Haslett finds himself responsible for an unexpected water bill linked to a property in Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighborhood. The city recently informed him of $499.79 in outstanding charges, encompassing four months of water arrears with accumulated interest dating back to 2017, just before his property purchase.
Unlike standard utility practices, unpaid water charges are tied to the property, not the individual, passing on to new owners after a sale. However, the city stipulated that efforts must be made to collect from the previous owner before transferring arrears to the new proprietor.
Following the city’s directive, Haslett discovered that the previous property owner passed away six years ago, a fact easily verifiable through publicly available records. Expressing surprise at the delayed revelation of the previous owner’s demise, Haslett emphasized the lack of transparency and accountability in the process.
Seeking clarity on the breakdown of charges, Haslett confronted the city about the composition of the $499.79 sum, specifically inquiring about interest and late fees versus the former owner’s water usage. Despite his inquiries, the city declined to disclose this information, citing privacy regulations.
The city’s approach prompted Haslett to contemplate legal action, viewing the situation as a matter of principle and advocating for the bill’s cancellation. While considering his options, Haslett highlighted the potential challenges faced by others in similar predicaments without the means to contest such issues.