• Option for a private Local Improvement for septic system changeover on private property. This approach may provide attractive interest rates and borrowing terms for homeowners while reducing their up-front capital costs related to septic system changeovers on private property.

The total estimated cost of the Baseline sanitary sewer project including watermain reconstruction, design and contract administration is $2,722,368 of which $779,360 is estimated to be fully recovered from the benefitting property owners and $1,337,500 will be recovered from EnWin – Water. The remaining net cost to the City is $605,508 and is proposed to be funded under the Local Improvement Sanitary Sewer Project (ID# 7159000) which is currently in a surplus position with funds available to undertake this work. Funding to homeowners for the private local improvement would come from the City’s current working capital. In essence, a loan will be provided to the homeowner, repayable in accordance with the proposed terms and conditions.

Administration recommends approval of the recommendations of this report. This will include cancellation of the local improvement approved by CR4/2020 and approval of a new Baseline Road local improvement under the new local improvement policy. The proposed local improvement policy changes and proposed local improvement process related to private infrastructure on private property will provide financial assistance to the abutting property owners to address objections raised.

Background:

Local Improvement Policy

At its meeting of November 18, 2019, Council passed Council Resolution CR554/2019, which approved updates to the Corporate Policy Library, including the policy entitled “Local Improvement Policy Consolidation” (the 2019 Policy).

The 2019 Policy, part 1.1 Sewers states where:

• A storm and/or sanitary sewer does not exist; and

• Abutting property owners have requested in writing a storm and/or sanitary sewer be installed as a local improvement; or

• The City initiates the installation of a storm and/or sanitary sewer as a local improvement.

The abutting property owners will be assessed for:

• The full cost, per metre, for the construction of a sanitary sewer and/or a storm sewer along the property frontage;

• Any additional required services (e.g. curb and gutter, PDC, etc.) and restoration related to the original request

The City will pay:

• The remainder of the cost of sewers at intersections and road drainage;