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Once proud Thompson resident: Not so proud anymore of council on water breaks $2,000 proposed fee

To the Editor: I imagine Mayor Tim Johnston is probably getting a great number of upset e-mails and angry opinions expressed other ways, all regarding the issue of water breaks. I can understand how something like this can be extremely frustrating.

To the Editor:

I imagine Mayor Tim Johnston is probably getting a great number of upset e-mails and angry opinions expressed other ways, all regarding the issue of water breaks. I can understand how something like this can be extremely frustrating. I was at the council meeting Feb. 1 and quite honestly there are a few things that have me worried. Like the mayor, I have been until now a very proud Thompson resident. I was born here, grew up here, went away to university, came back and started a family here. We recently purchased a home in the Westwood area. I heard through the grapevine about the water main break proposed dig fees on Jan. 29. Up until that time, I, like many homeowners in this city, was under the impression that a water main break, sewer line rupture, or storm drain replacement, regardless of where it took place was the city's responsibility. I admit, that maybe I was a little ignorant of information. At the meeting I learned two things that seemed to stick with me. The city is responsible for the breaks that occur on the main line. I agree with that. I, however, am having a very hard time dealing with being responsible for the repairs to the service line. The services pipes, in and around my recently purchased home, are in the same state that the rest of the infrastructure in this city seems to be in. I realize that if my house was built in 1962, that my pipes are almost the better part of half a century old. It really bothers me that the city would go through with charging for repairs the way they have, and make the decision with little public knowledge. I also learned last night that the replacement cost of my driveway, of my lawn, or any part of my property dug, is my responsibility as well. As a long time resident in this city, I have noticed with an alarming rate that the frequency of these line breaks is increasing. I have also witnessed these breaks occurring in the same spots time and time again. It doesn't seem fair to me that the city has gone to the people for the dig costs. I do agree that there needs to be revenue, that money is being lost, but going to the taxpayer all the time shouldn't be the solution. It was my understanding that my property taxes covered the repairs. I realize council has hard choices to make, that decisions need to be made and solutions found, but this solution and the way it was handled, is something I don't agree with. Public knowledge is a big thing, and the people of Thompson need to be more involved in what council does. I agree with councillors Stella Locker and Judy Kolada. A public meeting should have been held, or should be held, or at least something more done than what was provided. As I said previously, not a lot of people knew about this. It's a very worrisome time for some of the citizens in Thompson. Potential tax increases, a water utility (which should be helping the infrastructure) and now a proposed $2,000 dig fee, which I know I can't afford,to put a patch on a line older than I am - that was put in the ground before I was born! The financial burdens of being a homeowner in this city are becoming far too great for its residents to shoulder. Like the mayor and the rest of council, I want to see Thompson flourish, but I am concerned that with all the added financial burdens, we will end up pushing the other way. I woke up this morning, looked outside and honestly was relieved not to see a swimming pool in my driveway. I am a very concerned citizen and once proud Thompsonite.Quinton Mintenko

Thompson

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