Staff
Residents wanting to water their lawns or wash their vehicles this summer should be aware the town’s bylaw regulating non-essential water use will take effect next Friday (May 15).
Starting that day, odd-numbered addresses only can water on odd days and even-numbered addresses on even days (even-numbered houses are exempt on the last day of months with 31 days).
This bylaw will remain in effect until Sept. 15.
Those who fail to comply with the bylaw can face a fine up to $300.
In addition, offenders may have their water service discontinued, and will have to pay $220.76 to have it turned back on.
Non-essential water use includes the watering of lawns and gardens, filling of swimming pools, washing of vehicles (other than commercially-operated car washes), and any other use which is not essential to public health and safety, personal hygiene, or to sustain a commercial activity at the municipal address where the water is used.
A person can apply in writing to the bylaw enforcement department for an exemption from the provisions, such as for watering newly-seeded lawns.
In turn, the bylaw department may—at its discretion and having considered the merits of the circumstances surrounding the request—give in writing such an exemption.
Meanwhile, in an effort to give residents a chance to do a little spring cleaning, the town is suspending the collection of tipping fees at the local landfill site for half-ton vehicles and utility trailers on Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The waiving of tipping fees applies strictly to leaves, tree branches, grass clippings, and garden waste.
These items must be separate from regular waste when brought to the landfill.
All materials must be disposed of in compliance with instructions from the landfill gate attendant.
