After reviewing the operations of its water and sewage treatment services, Saugeen Shores Council has decided to continue having the Ontario Clean Water Agency operate the services for the town.
The agreement runs for five years and will cost the town an average of over 1.6 million dollars per year. The proposed cost for 2009 is just over 1.4 million and will rise to over 1.7 by 2013.
OCWA has pledged to improve it’s management and financial reporting methods to meet the town’s requirements.
Mayor Mike Smith says OCWA was involved with earlier upgrades to the water treatment plant and believes the agency has been very understanding of the town in developing the new agreement.
Vice Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock says water regulations have become a lot tougher in the years since the Walkerton crisis and council has to meet those obligations.
Gowanlock says the new contract provides the town with an effective service that meets those obligations.
Mayor Smith says he’s “really happy” with the new agreement and is quite satisfied with how the Ontario Clean Water Agency operates Saugeen Shores’ water and sewage system.
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