Kincardine Council is directing municipal staff to work with the property owners within the Bruce Energy Centre to explore the option of providing potable water to the development.
On January 10th, council received a delegation from Bruce Energy Centre Chief Administrator Nancy Michie, who was requesting consideration that potable be supplied to the BEC Industrial Park, as it would benefit the Bruce Energy Centre and nearby properties.
Council directed staff to bring back a report on the topic, including provincial rules and regulations.
Director for Infrastructure and Development Adam Weishar says that while verbal support for an exploratory study is fine, there isn’t a way for the Municipality of Kincardine to financially support the move.
“One of the gaps here is that there essentially isn’t a funding mechanism. Typically, the municipality wouldn’t fund a review for supporting private developments and making servicing available to them.”
He informed council that they wouldn’t be able to go forward without breaking the rules.
According to the Municipal Act, there is a restriction on municipalities from directly or indirectly granting bonuses to any manufacturing business or other industrial or commercial enterprise.
The legislation prohibits giving or lending any property of a municipality, including money.
“It would be considered ‘bonussing’ under the Municipal Act, so we’re coming back to council with that information,” says Weishar.
He says that if the surrounding properties to the BEC also want potable water servicing, then they can help pay for a study as well, and perhaps the implementation in the future.
“If we are to continue with things, we should approach the group [of businesses] around Farrell Drive at the BEC and get their support to financially cover the cost to undertake that review.”
