If you are a Langford resident living where there is an existing sewer line, or a line that’s about to be completed, connecting to that line is mandatory.
While this is not a new bylaw, noted Langford Mayor Stew Young, the City has made some housekeeping adjustments this year to get more residents hooked up, especially in environmentally sensitive areas, by the end of 2019.
In an attempt to make more residents aware that this bylaw will be enforced after that deadline, and give property owners as much notice as possible, a notice was placed in the four page handout that went out with the 2016 tax notices. Since those notices went out, City staff have received numerous inquiries about the hook-up requirements.
In an attempt to answers residents’ questions and reduce the number of inquiries, council agreed to send another notice to residents.
“Some people missed it, so we just thought a letter might be actually more personable,” said Coun. Denise Blackwell.
Coun. Roger Wade added “it’s an expensive letter.”
Since the cost of doing this type of mailout is significant, and has to be done by targeting postal zones rather than specific addresses, Young asked if there was any way to piggyback the letter with another notice that has to go out in the near future.
“We also have a deal with Corix, if people can’t afford it,” he said, noting that Corix Utilities will be able to provide financing. Those details should be included in the handout, he said, to allow Corix staff rather than City workers to answer any further questions.
Back in 2004, the City of Langford signed an agreement with West Shore Environmental Services Inc., a division of Corix Utilities, to operate and maintain extensions of the City’s sewage collection system. This agreement also includes operating and maintaining the existing sewers, as well as handling all customer inquiries.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com
