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Mixed review over Leith Water Upgrades.

There are mixed feelings regarding the preferred option for upgrading the Leith Water System. Leith residents gathered last night at the Bayshore Community Centre to hear the list of options for upgrades to the system. The preferred option is to obtain water from the city of Owen Sound. Meaford CAO Chris Webb says this option offers lower costs, and upgrades and expansion of municipal water along county road 15 from Owen Sound to Leith.Residents had numerous concerns relating to costs.Webb says it will cost each household almost 9 thousand dollars to connect to the system, and just over 1600 dollars annually for services. Resident Jerry Woods says he is not in favour of this alternative -- he says he has a good well and is not willing to spend extra money for water. The project will cost over 2 million dollars, but there is possible OSTAR funding for 1.4 million dollars -- which would be shared between Owen Sound and Meaford. There were also a number of residents who commended council for their work. Chair of the Leith Water System, Lynn McPhatter feels this is the best alternative and would like to see it move forward. Henderson, Paddon and Associates Senior Planner Rakesh Sharma is currently working on an environmental assessment, and will complete a phase one and phase two report which will have a 30 day review by the public. Webb says council also wants feedback from the public through comment forms or e-mail. There are currently 61 users on the Leith water system -- which could increase to 150. Owen Sound will sell Meaford the water for 80 cents per cubic metre and the Leith Water Plant will be de-commissioned.