To the Editors,
Why would rural residents want to invest $180 million into a new, 75-megalitre-per-day plant to be located in Nanticoke, when they pay to have their water trucked in and pay to have their holding and septic tanks pumped out?
The initial cost of a new wastewater treatment plant will cost $60 million; the new wastewater treatment plant will provide service to the Lake Erie Industrial Park and the proposed new development. Why is this cost falling on the taxpayers of Haldimand? Hooking them up will be the first phase of the $180 million project. Shouldn’t Empire Homes be footing this bill? They are now the owners of 4,200 acres of the Lake Erie Industrial Park where the development is taking place.
Thought water and wastewater was supposed to be rate payer supported? How will this new project affect urban water and wastewater rates?
How will 40,000 more residents commute down Highway 6 if there is another blockade?
A County report states that the Six Nations of the Grand and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations support this project in principle. Have they?
Shelley Bentley,
Selkirk
Editor’s Note: The Haldimand Press requested clarification on the above letter from Haldimand County to share with readers.
The letter is regarding Empire Communities’ proposed Nanticoke development, which could see up to 40,000 additional residents in the area. It would require the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant; this $60 million base cost would be covered in total by Empire. However, Empire has requested Haldimand County consider extending sewer collection pipes to Caledonia and Hagersville. This would cost $120 million and would allow the decommissioning of the Caledonia, Hagersville, Jarvis, Townsend, and Lake Erie Industrial park wastewater treatment plants. No decision has been made to move toward this regional servicing approach, as significant financial analysis would be required.
Sewer and water infrastructure is not funded through taxation. It is funded through sewer and water rates from those connected to the services and from Development Charges (fees paid by developers). As such, rural residents do not ‘pay’ for these services.
The Empire Nanticoke development is currently waiting for a Minister’s Zoning Order from the Province to move forward. As of publication, there is no update on its status.
If the project moves forward, transportation impacts will be assessed before any approvals are granted and required upgrades will be the responsibility of the developer.
