The contract between the municipalities of Châteauguay and Léry for the supply of drinking water expires on December 31. However, discussions between the two administrations are still pending.
Translation Amanda Bennett
“Our intention is to negotiate in good faith with Châteauguay to find a win-win solution,” said Léry Mayor Kevin Boyle at the last council meeting. “We’re waiting to be summoned by Châteauguay and we’re going to sit down and work out a 5- or 10-year agreement.”
The mayor was reacting to a resolution adopted the previous month by the neighbouring town. The resolution, which was adopted unanimously by Châteauguay’s City Council, called on the city of Léry to make the necessary investments so that it could become self-sufficient in supplying drinking water to its current population and for future development. Châteauguay is also asking its neighbour to make the necessary efforts to deal with the drinking water issue, which must be a collective effort and not be Châteauguay’s sole responsibility. It has been stipulated that the content of the resolution will be considered by Châteauguay during negotiations.
Mr. Boyle said that he had consulted the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s regional office, which told him that Châteauguay could not stop supplying drinking water to Léry unless the Ministry of Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks approves an alternative solution. As for the price, he theoretically expects the residents of his town to pay the same price for water as the citizens of Châteauguay.
“The price is based on our consumption and also on the volume we take,” said Mr. Boyle. “A city can’t make a profit from selling water. So, we have to make sure that we work closely with Châteauguay to find a solution.” He added that the current agreement was a good one, especially as Léry was not quite meeting the maximum water flow allowed. This tells Mayor Boyle that Léry has plenty of room for manoeuvre.
(Photo: Archives)