The Town of Fort Frances has extended the deadline for Couchiching First Nation to settle the arrears on its sewer and water account, stated a press release late yesterday from the desk of Mayor Dan Onichuk.
On Dec. 17, Mayor Onichuk received correspondence from the Department of Justice Canada outlining its recommendations to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada with respect to the ongoing sewer and water concerns, the release said.
“On Dec. 20, a significant step was taken in the direction of resolving outstanding issues, which I believe is a show of good faith by Couchiching First Nation,” said Mayor Onichuk, referring to a meeting involving local MP Ken Boshcoff and a representative from Couchiching First Nation, which occurred behind closed doors Monday evening.
As a result of these actions, the town has agreed to extend the deadline for an additional 90 days, provided Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Couchiching First Nation meet certain conditions regarding scheduling of meetings and ongoing financial matters, the mayor added.
A response from those two parties has been requested prior to the Jan. 10 council meeting.
Discussions regarding a settlement of Couchiching’s sewer and water bill have been ongoing since mid-November.
Since the arrears on the account were not settled by Nov. 18, a 60-day period began in which all parties have been working to reach an agreement.
Couchiching, just like all properties outside town limits that receive services from the Town of Fort Frances, currently pays double the average cost per cubic metre for sewage and water.
Fort Frances Times
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