The Town's Utilities Bylaw sets the terms of responsibility for the repair, maintenance and renewal of water or sewer service lines. There are differences when it comes to either water or sewer service lines that property owners should be aware of.
Water Service Lines
The property owner is fully responsible for keeping the service line between the premises and the curbstop in operational condition. The Town is responsible for the condition of the service line between the curbstop and the main.
Possible exceptions:
(A) If there's a leak or break in a water line that impacts the town's water conservation efforts, the town might help cover some of the repair costs on the service line between your property and the town's shut-off valve. It's crucial to report any suspected leaks before the water meter.
(B) If Council has initiated or approved a Local Improvement project pursuant to the Local Improvement Policy (2022) for the purpose of constructing, repairing, improving and maintaining streets, curbs, sidewalks, water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer in a neighbourhood or section of street.
It is important to note that the Town will not pay for or cost share on discretionary upgrades or replacements to the service line between the curbstop and the main for reasons other than repair to the existing service. Please inquire at the Town Office if there is an economic development case (reserves policy section 8.7) around a desired service renewal or enhancement (e.g. increasing the diameter of service for an industrial or commercial purpose that leads to to increased local employment, assessment, multiplier effects, etc.).
Sewer Service Lines
The property owner is fully responsible for keeping the service line in operational condition (at all times) between the premises and the main. This means that the Town will not (generally) cost share on sewer service line maintenance or repair.
Possible exceptions:
(A) if damage or blockage can be proven to have been caused by a public tree in a boulevard.
(B) If Council has initiated or approved a Local Improvement project pursuant to the Local Improvement Policy (2022) for the purpose of constructing, repairing, improving and maintaining streets, curbs, sidewalks, water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer in a neighbourhood or section of street.
(C) Sewer backups caused by sewer main maintenance (e.g. flushing) will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Town is not responsible for poorly maintained or degraded private sewer line or lack of adequate venting/ backflow prevention.