Two Options Remain For Princeton's Wastewater Service

Thursday, 26 September 2019 08:47

Oxford County council presented the feasibility of options based on a consulting firm's proposal, along with a growth-based strategy on the full services for Princeton.

OXFORD COUNTY - Oxford County council has given a recommendation to the Township of Blandford-Blenheim to review the wastewater servicing in Princeton.

Staff gave a presentation on the financial impact at last night's meeting, along with listening to delegations.

Resident John Jansen says he was upset because their community wasn't consulted, but he says he feels more comfortable after council's presentation.

"What I hope our Township does is have a meeting with Princeton. Ask us, talk to us without being visceral, without a sales pitch. Get an opinion, that's all I want. I want to be included so we know, so they know how we feel that's all. Ask us."

Jansen voiced his concerns and he says he started a petition on whether Princeton residents were in favour or not of the wastewater service. He says out of the 90 houses that provided him with a signature, 88.2% were against it. He says he also created a Facebook group called "The Princeton Sewer Proposal Group."

Oxford County council presented the feasibility based on a consulting firm's proposal, along with a growth-based strategy on the full services for Princeton.

Warden Larry Martin says the Township will now go back to consider one of two options.

"And when they decide to make up their mind on which way they want to go, if they want to continue, if they want to go with a service village, then they can bring it back for another go-around."

The Township is to consider either servicing the Village as a growth center and begin the required planning studies, which would include a comprehensive review and other required studies to determine all related land use planning considerations, or they can decline to begin the necessary planning and instead pursue a growth-based servicing strategy for the Village.

The Township was supposed to receive a recommendation on a planning study regarding the wastewater service in August, however it was postponed and brought back to last night's meeting.

The Princeton Wastewater Servicing Environmental Assessment Study will be on hold pending an outcome from the Township. Moving forward, the Township will review the options presented.

Warden Martin says he is unsure of when the Township will make a decision.