Editor:
In further response to the comments written on the Northside Water Service approved rate increase in the October 12 edition.
Mrs. Harrison’s trailer park has enjoyed full occupancy for many years in her trailer park, and as with water rate increases the trailer park has also had increases over the last number of years. Water rates isn’t the only commodity that has increased over time; items such as fuel, vehicles, groceries, movies theatres, even the most basic TV package is over $40 a month.
Wayne Salewski’s comments for his concerns over the water quality, water safety and that he would like the municipality and local government involvement to provide his drinking water, he should know that our local government is very much involved through the Northern Health Authority as is the involvement of the Ministry of Water Stewardship. The utility is classified as a municipality in its own right. The utility’s water is sampled regularly, and no boil water advisories have ever been issued on our system. Our customers have appreciated water that is not chemically treated.
Population on the north side of the river benefits from fire protection from our hydrants not only in our water district, but outlying areas are also serviced with our hydrants by the district fire department. This has reduced the cost of fire insurance. The municipality was not interested in supplying water to the north side area prior to the start of the utility in 1967 and even in more recent correspondence has stated that the municipality is not interested. Perhaps this is due to the rising cost to provide good quality drinking water.
Northside Water has therefore moved forward to a long term commitment for providing quality water to its customers. The rate increase not only provides for an extra part time operator who is already trained and certified, but also 12 percent of this increase is for funds for future replacement of system components.
Greg Manwaring
Northside Water Service
