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Murky_Problem

Feature Article July 17

Feature Article July 17, 2003

LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb Home

Sydenham Water-A Murky ProblemThe Issue: (Just in case you hibernated all winter and have been hunting for berries ever since, and havent been to the Beer store and seen the signs on the lawns, or read a paper, or whatever....) Late last December, after several public meetings, South Frontenac Township Council passed a by-law to establish a water purification system for the village of Sydenham. In spite of considerable federal and provincial funding, village residents will have to pay a lot (estimates run from $3000 to $10,000 per household, and participation is not optional). At the time of amalgamation, councillors made a verbal agreement there would be no help towards village water from the rest of the township.

Present Situation: The township has called for tenders for the construction stages of the project. Construction is scheduled to begin right after Labour Day. The Township has applied to the Cataraqui Conservation Authority, which is the designated agent for the Dept of Oceans and Fisheries in local matters, for a permit to draw water from the lake. Councillor Pobran says the CRCA had a number of questions about the plans, but is now "on board".

The Reactions: (Against): Sydenham Safe Water Committee (SSWC), a citizens group formed shortly after the by-law passed, is angry about the process, accusing Council of not representing or listening to the citizens, and the plan, which treats the symptom (bad water), not the cause (sewage). They have raised questions about the possible negative effects of chlorine and the use of Sydenham Lake as a reservoir. They doubt the wells are as polluted as the engineering study says they are. They have not succeeded in an attempt to bring an injunction against the by-law, which might postpone the issue until after the fall election. Mayor Leonard says he "has never been asked for a meeting" by this group, and he is acting to protect public health and safety. Several residents have put their homes up for sale because of the water. Most have sold quickly.

The SSWC is turning its energies toward finding candidates to run for council who will be willing to represent the whole township, not just their own district. Spokesperson Pauline Vaughan says "We feel the current council has contaminated itself, and dont think any of them have a chance of being re-elected."

(In Favour): Mayor Leonard points out that very few village residents came to the information meetings held before the by-law was passed. He expresses regret that so many residents dont appreciate the opportunity afforded them. Councillor Pobran says hes had more favourable comments than negative ones recently. People who have spoken in favour of the water to this correspondent have asked their names not be published.

Neither side has mentioned M.O.E. Bill 170/03, The Clean Drinking Water Act, which will require all public premises (including church, Legion, firemens and club halls, day cares, etc) to meet new standards of drinking water, possibly by next year. These will include an engineering report, regular water testing, an annual report and upgrades. This will, no doubt, be costly.

A Thought: No one, rural or village, is going to come through this post-Walkerton time without some pinch to the pocket. Septic tank inspections, upgrades and maintenance schedules are on the horizon. Counting the cottagers, over 15,000 tax bills are issued annually in South Frontenac. Adding $25 each a year to each of these would go a long way toward building a fund for all residents to draw on, as needed, for help with water and sewage treatment, yet would be a hardship for none.

With the participation of the Government of Canada