Residents of a neighborhood in Breslau, Ont., were shocked to receive a letter in early October demanding nearly $14,000 per household for water and sewer infrastructure completed on their street ten years ago. The letter, sent by Woolwich Township to 25 properties on Scheifele Place, Woolwich Street South, Dolman Street, and Joseph Street, outlined the required payment of $13,950.19 per household, totaling $348,754.75 for the entire project.
Kayla Jager, a resident on Woolwich Street since 2018, expressed her disbelief at the substantial amount, calling it unfair and overwhelming. The township council approved a bylaw on Oct. 7 to distribute the project costs among property owners who benefit from the municipal servicing works, as detailed in the letter received by residents.
Affected homeowners have until Dec. 12 to pay the bill or can opt to include it in their property tax bill, spreading the payments over 20 years at $1,286.25 annually. Jager, who is not connected to municipal services due to having a septic tank and well, questioned the fairness of the charges, especially for neighbors on fixed incomes.
Michael Lamb, a real estate lawyer and professor, advised residents to check their title insurance coverage to address potential ownership challenges arising from such situations. Meanwhile, Woolwich Township acknowledged shortcomings in communication with residents regarding the unexpected charges, attributing the billing delay to a prolonged litigation process with the construction company.
Jared Puppe, the township’s director of infrastructure services, admitted oversight in anticipating property ownership changes during the project timeline, emphasizing the need for improved communication and transparency with residents. The township extended the payment deadline to May 2026, offering residents more time to settle the bill and explore payment options, including hardship cases.
Moving forward, the township aims to enhance communication with residents in similar situations to prevent surprises and ensure informed decision-making regarding property investments within the community.
