By Mark Squibb
Holyrood councillor Steve Winsor says a resident’s decision to install a private well and septic system rather than hook into Town lines ought not be viewed as a reflection on Holyrood’s town services.
Council approved the permit for a new home at 189-191 Conception Bay Highway back in February, with the understanding it would be connected to the municipal water and sewer system.
Council rescinded that motion during its April public meeting, as the resident opted to install a private well and septic system instead. Council approved the application.
“We have safe and reliable water and sewer system infrastructure,” said Winsor. “A person makes a choice, for personal reasons, to not connect due to technical challenges, maybe grade on the land, lift stations, length of lines, these sorts of things. Technical challenges come with a cost for that person. They may have personal reasons to want to be off the system and have their own well, their own septic within their control. That’s fine. They still pay for the service running by the door. I just wanted to explain that a little bit, and make sure that everyone understands, most importantly, that we do have safe, reliable water infrastructure which we’re constantly trying to improve, so people don’t think, ‘Oh, why isn’t the person connecting? Is it bad?’”
Deputy Mayor Michele Woodford concurred, and the motion passed unanimously.
The house was one of eight new homes approved for construction during the meeting.
Councillor Bruce King noted building lots in Holyrood are considerably cheaper than in neighbouring towns, making the community very attractive for families and developers.
“Small lots in Paradise right now, some of them are going as high as $200,000 a lot,” said King. “We only paid half of that for a house when we moved here. That’s what’s flushing people out of those places. You’re paying $200,000 before you even buy a stick of two-by-four. Imagine what your house is going to cost. So, Holyrood is affordable, and people should come out here and live.”
Council also approved eight other permits, including for a new garage, general repairs, and home-based businesses.
King said the number of applications is a sure sign spring is in the air.
“There are a lot of housing developments now starting,” said King. “People are getting out now and finally finding where their sheds used to be and their fence used to be.”
