Stokley concerned with how costs will be covered

Councillor Wayne Stokley wants to make sure that certain GRCA capital projects are not financed on the backs of municipalities like Puslinch Township.

On Jan. 4, Stokley voiced a number of concerns regarding the authority’s report regarding the Drimmie Dam’s reconstruction in Elora.

According to GRCA minutes, work on the dam is anticipated to get underway as early as July 2012. Reconstruction will address the dam’s deteriorating conditions.

The GRCA and Sanchez Engineering are working to complete the approvals process.

Funding sources include a provincial water and erosion control program, the GRCA capital levy and reserves, and funds from the Township of Centre Wellington.

Stokley said in looking at the funding model, costs are split three ways.

He noted Puslinch had offered previous comments about other dams going in [and reconstructions] and how those costs would impact other municipalities in the watershed. He wondered about the potential precedent of the dam costs coming back to the municipal levy.

“I have a concern about that,” he said.

He wondered if the mayor has heard any comments about how Centre Wellington felt about having to put money into the project.

Mayor Dennis Lever said while he had not spoken directly with anyone from Centre Wellington, the dam is part of the tourism area in Elora.

“I would expect their investment in that is something they expect a return on - in providing facilities for their tourists.”

Stokley said his concern is that the GRCA is considering a capital levy expense and reserves.

“I’m just hoping the plan is not to increase their reserves on the back of other municipalities ... It’s a concern I’ve had before.”

Lever said Stokley would have the support of the rest of council with those concerns.