SUMMERSIDE - City officials haven't seen the end of the ditch infilling issue just yet.
While they managed to end the contentious co-pay policy earlier this week, the matter of rebates to homeowners who did pay the 10-per-cent share looms.
Monday, council voted 5-4 to end a policy that required homeowners with ditches to pay 10 per cent of the cost to fill in the ditch. Council made this new policy retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009 - leaving property owners who paid $1,000 to $3,000 to have their ditches infilled prior to that up in the air.
According to city council there will be no offers made for rebates. Such a move could cost in excess of $250,000.
"Basically, this covers this previous spring, summer or fall work," said Coun. Ron Dowling, chairman of the city's technical services committee and one of the councillors who voted to remove the 10 per cent co-pay requirement. "It's reasonable to assume that people who have paid will look at this and say there's an inequity there. Conversely other people may look at it from the perspective that we did petition with the understanding that it was 10 per cent. 'I paid it and I'm just going to carry on.' "
But Dowling said if anyone feels there should be a reimbursement, they can lodge a concern with their respective councillor.
"When those concerns are raised, if there are any, then they would be brought forward for discussion at council and council would make a decision one way or the other, based on a vote," Dowling said. "If it came forward it would be retroactive . . . council will discuss it as a rebate for the entire program, period, which to my understanding is $255,000 to $260,000."
Some residents who had the work done prior to Jan. 1, 2009 and elected to make payments through a payment plan will not benefit from the new policy.
"They would still have to make their payments," Dowling said. "It's only relative to 2009. This is a situation where people were aware of a particular policy. They petitioned with the understanding that they would pay 10 per cent."
Still issues to be resolved with ditch infilling
Coun. Ron Dowling
- Published on January 21st, 2010
- Published on June 20th, 2010
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Mike Carson
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Comments
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- CATHY
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:07:25
In all fairness Linda
I know you are a wonderfull Advocate for causes in our own Province and around the world.
But In fairness to the papers, and news and compass the story of Haitis terrible disaster has been on the news on a daily basis since it happened, in the papers , on the radio, the trucks were shown on both locations outside Summerside Walmart and Ch'town Walmart,The Summerside Walmart makes daily annoucements about the truck in the parking lot they have a cart set up to even collect and bring it out side to the truck and they also are collecting donations at the check outs.Perhaps it is just a matter that people are having their own share of financial problems right after Christmas and are doing the very best to help out Haiti with what they can afford even $1.00 dollar at the cash from evey Islander will help!So far Walmart world wide at last count had collected one million dollars. -
- cathy
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:07:18
I am happy that Mayor Basil Stewart
broke the tie and that we had at least 4 Town Councillor's that cared what the people wanted! Hats off to them all!
Regarding rebating people, in my veiw
if you let them fill your ditch and were willing to sign up and not fight against it then i think you should have to pay, as you must have thought it was an ok deal.
I know this will not be a popular opinion but it's mine just the same. -
- Linda
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:07:01
It will be interesting to see how effective WE might be if the friggin crisis in Haiti and the Call for Donations here In Summerside makes the top news story over bloody ditch infilling!
Please - Donations and Volunteers are Urgently needed! A press release was sent to the Journal Pioneer - several people have called - We NEED this story to be reported on so that people Know what they can do to help!
The Truck is at the Summerside Walmart from 10a.m. to 8pm through to Sunday - taking donations of material goods (the press release has an extensive listing) for Haiti. If you want to Volunteer please drop by the truck and you will be given a job. Dress warm .. a lot of the work is outside. Thank you.
Now back to your regular ditch infilling priority. -
- Michael
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:06:40
It will be interesting to see what effect the councillor's position will have on his status. I agree with his considerations, but wonder if constituents will be so responsible?
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- concerned
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:06:04
Wow, you guys really got off the topic! Once subject has absolutely nothing to do with the other!
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- CATHY
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:05:00
Linda
I know you are a wonderful advocate for people in need both here and elsewhere and it is heartwarming to see your dedication and passion.
But in all fairness to the papers, news, radio,compass and those of us other then you who choose to fight for our causes to help our people who have needs as well. Haiti has been the top story since the disaster, compass showed the big trucks parked outside both Walmarts gave times, etc on the news,inside Summerside Walmart they make regular annoucements about the truck outside and have set up a cart to take doantions for people who do not want or cant walk to the truck.They also take donations at the cash registers as well even a dollar from everyone will add up at last bulleton walmart annouced being at the one million dollar marK COLLECTED.
The red cross here has also had many, many contributions.So i think we all are doing our part as best we can for Haiti and i would not want all the Islanders who have so genoursly gave of themselves when they probably dont have it to give to this terrible disaster to feel it is being minimized in any way.
Keep up the great work Islanders your the best!!!Thanks compass, and papers and radios for all your promtions of this cause as well.Ditch infilling is one priorty to some of us , but we still care about Haiti to! -
- Larry
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:04:59
Next thing you know, they will be talking about PNP
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- Choice
- - June 21st, 2010 at 19:04:46
I think it's great our Islander always are so willing to help other Countries - it's part of who we are
I don't think it's necessary to guilt people to contribute, it's a personal choice
Islanders will help if they can - it's part of who we are
People do have their own concerns - finances etc - Like Cathy Cooper I feel there's lots of press coverage about it - I hear lots of negative about Walmart, but has anyone noticed it's Walmart doing their part - it doesn't take from the other stores, it's Walmart's Choice
On the Ditch Digging, if it's affecting just one of our Islanders then it's important - give to Haiti if that's what you want to do but remember that the Ditch Digging is costing our Islanders, some who are financially strapped - this column is supposed to be about that subject - and the struggle of our Islanders, and I pray the powers to be remember that is what they are voted in for - Islanders
