Question:

I would like to inform you that I am opposed to the towns lawsuit against a resident with serious health issues which the install of the new water metre will make worse and am in support of them being exempt from the new metre install.

I am also against the use of tax payer money to hire another lawyer from out of town to fight against this residents right not to have the metre installed so they can be safe and healthy in their own home. I would also like to add how disappointed I am in the towns lawyer (initially assigned to this frivolous case) and their disgraceful behaviour towards the judge.

Other municipalities have made reasonable concessions for their residents, why isn't Kingsville? I don’t know what is happening to our town and council that you believe this is in anyway ok to do to residents and I hope you stop and reconsider your decision.

Answer:

Normally, the Town does not comment on ongoing litigation matters, but since the other side has made public statements and we are being asked questions, we will attempt to provide clarification where we can.

It's important to note that the applicant already has a Radio Frequency meter at her home. The difference is simply that the new meters automate the reading system to save paying staff to physically drive around town to collect water meter data. These new meters are being installed by municipalities across North America.

Health Canada has advised that these new meters are safe.

We are sympathetic to the applicant. We offered the applicant an alternative which involves placing the meter in the road allowance away from her home, but she rejected that option.

The Town has invested in this upgrade and can only realize the benefits if all installations are complete. The manufacturer of the old water meters no longer provides support for them as these units have finished their useful life. New meters are required.

The Town did not commence this legal proceeding but is simply responding to it.

Additionally, we contacted the Court regarding the allegation that our lawyer yelled at the judge and received confirmation that this is untrue.