Following pushback from the local community, the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has reconsidered the closure of the Coatsworth bulk water station.
During a meeting on Thursday, members of the PUC voted in favour of keeping the water station operational after dozens of residents in the area voiced their concerns over the closure. The PUC also voted to split the cost associated with keeping the water station open among the other 11 bulk water stations within the municipality.
The Coatsworth station was initially slated to shut down sometime this month.
Multiple deputations were made during the meeting from members of the public advocating to keep the water station open to ensure those in Coatsworth don’t have to travel further for their water needs. Many noted that farmers in particular would be negatively impacted.
“I think the cost associated with keeping it open is not significant enough and detrimental enough to the PUC to not keep it open when we look at the effects it has on our farmers and the other people that utilize this bulk station,” said Ward 1 Councillor Lauren Anderson, who sits on the PUC.
A petition with over 200 signatures was presented to Chatham-Kent Council in September, prompting them to ask the PUC to consider its position.
“This has shown the reason why community involvement is really, really important before we make decisions like this,” said Anderson.
The matter will return to council for a final decision during a future meeting.
