With local water rates expected to increase significantly over the next decade, Chatham-Kent’s mayor is calling for a structural review of the municipality’s Public Utilities Commission.
During a PUC board meeting on Thursday, members were presented with a report detailing projected inflationary rate increases for water and wastewater in CK over the next ten years.
In response, Mayor Darrin Canniff submitted a notice of motion that, if approved by council, would instruct municipal administration to seek options for hiring a consulting firm to review the PUC. The objective of the review would be to provide recommendations on the ideal composition and legal structure of the Chatham-Kent utility.
During the board meeting, Canniff said Chatham-Kent is experiencing increased growth in residential, commercial and industrial water use, which is stretching the current capacity. He said this creates the need for increased technical knowledge when making decisions.
“The PUC was formed when we amalgamated and we have not done any review of how we govern the PUC,” said Canniff. “We have seven people from council sitting on [this board]… We need a board of experts to make sure the right decisions are being made at the board level because none of us are experts in the water industry. It’s critical that we have people like that sitting on the board.”
The cost to hire the consultant would be paid for through PUC water and wastewater reserves.
Canniff’s motion will be presented to council at a future meeting.
