Item - 2010.PW30.1
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on February 2, 2010 and was adopted with amendments.
PW30.1 - Options for Financing the Replacement of Private Lead Water Service Connections
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee requested:
1. The General Manager, Toronto Water, to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee in December 2010 on the results of the improved notice program for lead pipe replacement with take up stats as compared to the previous three years.
2. The General Manager, Toronto Water, in conjunction with the Medical Officer of Health, to support community information open houses for residents on the lead water service replacement program, at the request of local Councillors.
Origin
Summary
This report considers the policy and financial impacts to the City of providing a loan to private homeowners interested in replacing the private side of the lead water service connection, from the water shut-off at the property line to the interior of the dwelling. There are an estimated 65,000 lead water service connections within the public road allowance. Toronto Water and Toronto Public Health support the goal of reducing lead exposure by encouraging replacement of lead service. However, for a number of practical, financial, administrative and policy reasons as outlined in this report, providing a loan for private-property infrastructure changes to achieve this end is not recommended.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-26348.pdf
Speakers
Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 30 - Toronto-Danforth
Councillor Janet Davis, Ward 31 - Beaches-East York
Motions
That the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee request the Treasurer and the General Manager, Toronto Water, to investigate the feasibility of providing loans to senior citizens, including capping the number of applications, subject to ongoing interest rates, and report back to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.
Vote (Amend Item) Feb-02-2010
| Result: Lost | Majority Required |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 1 | Members that voted Yes are Cesar Palacio |
| Total members that voted No: 5 | Members that voted No are Shelley Carroll, Glenn De Baeremaeker (Chair), Adam Giambrone, Chin Lee, Gord Perks |
| Total members that were Absent: 0 | Members that were absent are |
That the General Manager, Toronto Water, be requested to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee in December 2010 on the results of the improved notice program for lead pipe replacement with take up stats as compared to the previous three years.
That the General Manager, Toronto Water, in conjunction with the Medical Officer of Health, be requested to undertake surveys, and/or other methods, to determine the number of private lead water service replacements that have been undertaken in the past two years and the reasons that residents choose not to proceed with private lead water service replacement.
That the City Manager be requested to report to the Executive Committee on other loan strategies that include acceptable collection tools that would provide a financial incentive for private property owners to replace lead water pipes.
That the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee request the General Manager, Toronto Water, in conjunction with the Medical Officer of Health, to support community information open houses for residents on the lead water service replacement program, at the request of local Councillors.