The Village of Harrison is hoping to update the pump station for the Miami River, a much-needed project that will help keep homes protected in high water.
CAO Ian Crane said there system currently in place is "old and outdated," and in need of an upgrade.
"It's fairly important," he said. "There have been times when the Miami has affected properties in the area."
The upgrade will help control the water level during times of high water, and will include a fish friendly pump system — something that isn't in place now.
Council has already approved the spending of $60,000 on two studies, one environmental and one hydrological. The reports already paid for were a requirement of the borrowing process for the project, Crane said.
Now, the Village is counting on the electorate to support the upgrade. The Village will have to borrow $600,000 over a 15 year period to fund the improvement. That translates to an estimated cost to the average homeowner of $32.26 a year.
They have been advertising an alternative approval process, which invites those opposed to the borrowing for the project to register their disapproval. Those who support it do not need to participate in the process, Crane explained.
If the Village were to receive notice from at least 10 per cent of the electorate, they would have the opportunity to conduct a full referendum.
The original deadline for eligible electors to contact the Village was July 28. Due to an error in publishing, that deadline has been changed to Aug. 11. Elector response forms and full details on who is considered an elector are available on the Village website (www.harrisonhotsprings.ca) and at the Village office.
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