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Majority of residents support proposal
Mac Olsen
for South Peace News
Some Faust residents are supporting the M.D. of Big Lakes’ proposal to extend sewer service to the east end of Faust.
Bryan Heroux and Shelly Heroux sent a letter to the M.D. offering their support for the project and say many other Faust residents support it, too.
“The majority of the residents, which this project affects, remain in favour in the extension of sewer service,” they say.
“The affected landowners would like to see the M.D. make an investment in the sewer portion of the project. An investment in any community’s infrastructure is beneficial to the municipality as a whole. Infrastructure, such as sewer service, raises property values, increases tax base, preserves our environment (such as our lake), etc.”
The Herouxs also say the M.D.’s support could help lessen the financial burden for ratepayers.
However, one Faust resident, Natasha Burger, is opposed to the sewer extension. Burger spoke against it during the Aug. 12 council meeting and proposes a bylaw amendment to ban further subdivisions in the east end of Faust.
“I propose, for the east end of Faust, no further subdivisions, no land use other than residential and livestock permitted on a non-commercial basis,” Burger said.
She also says Faust is a collection of small acreages, many of which have livestock and pets, big gardens as well as peace and quiet. She is concerned about future land subdivisions and the affect it would have for their way of life.
“Property subdivisions in the east end of Faust should cease because it will destroy the country residential lifestyle for those already there and because a proposed sewer line will be too expensive for landowners to afford.”
Council has to consider Burger’s request, which disappoints the Herouxs.
“We don’t understand why council would let one individual hold up such a major project. Ms. Burger is representing herself, not the majority of the landowners,” they say.
As for the cost, CAO Jeff Renaud says the federal and provincial governments would cover two-thirds under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, or approximately $2.3 million.
The M.D. would have to borrow the rest of the money and impose a local improvement levy for a period of 20 years to recoup the debt.
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