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City of Langford mails out information on sewer connection requirement

Plan lays out obligations, exemptions and financial assistance information for the costly hookup
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Workers laying sewer main (File photo)

The City of Langford is sending mailouts this month directing property owners to connect their sewer systems to the city’s network before the end of the year.

The booklet also contains instructions on financial assistance and exemptions related to the costly hookup.

According to the accompanying cover letter, five per cent of residents who have Langford’s sewer main on their streets are informed to adhere to the city’s mandatory connection bylaw.

ALSO READ: Langford residents concerned about hefty sewage bill

“Council has enabled mandatory connection to ensure the long-term viability of the City’s sewer infrastructure,” it states.

The brochure asks residents to complete a ‘sewer application’ at Corix West Shore Environmental Services (WSES) before choosing a qualified contractor to connect their pipes to the sewer line.

Single family households are expected to pay $10,291 to WSES for a Sewer Capital Recovery Fee, according to the city, including an additional physical connection fee (PCF). PCF costs are $1,500 per inch diameter of pipe.

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Residents who receive the authorization form are then asked to pay a $50 fee for a plumbing permit from the city, plus a damage deposit, the brochure states.

After the the sewer connection is complete, the connection is required to be inspected by the City of Langford.

“All on-site works are to be constructed to the BC Plumbing Code and any applicable bylaws or regulations,” it states.

Households that earn less than $38,921 can apply for a five-year exemption, and properties with a septic system less than five years old are eligible to defer the connection until their system reaches that age.

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Households with an income in the $38,921 to $67,842 range that are rejected for a loan from TD Canada Trust may apply directly to the city for financial assistance, it adds. The fees are then to be paid at a two per cent interest rate over a 10-year period.

The booklet is available here and the cover letter here.

*Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated physical connection fee costs. They are $1,500 per inch diameter of pipe.

swikar.oli@goldstreamgazette.com


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