date posted: 2005-04-01
There has been a lot of publicity in recent months surrounding the issue of sewage allocation for development in Richmond Hill and surrounding communities. Not a very interesting topic you might say. Who cares about developers say others. Protection of the environment and the Moraine is a legitimate concern. Not-in-my-backyard, unfortunately, is another common refrain.
Well, there is more to this story and its implications for residents of Richmond Hill. It began a couple of years ago when a very large sewer main project in Markham was halted due to concerns raised by legitimate environmentalists and others. What’s that got do with Richmond Hill you might ask. The network of underground sewers throughout Town flow by the force of gravity. A major trunk sewer which services the Yonge St. spine of Richmond Hill is now at capacity – there is no additional room for any homes to connect to this line other than those which Council carefully assigned over the last eight months.
A relief sewer will be built this summer across Weldrick Road West to help alleviate this problem. Another relief sewer is planned to run east from Yonge St. towards Highway 404.
The latter project has been delayed while additional environmental studies are conducted, alternate routes are again considered, and public consultation sessions are held. Genuine environmental concerns have been raised but there are other opponents who simply think they can and should stop development and this is the way to do that.
But wait – there are a large number of residents who already live here who are often forgotten in this situation. Forgotten, except by Richmond Hill Council – There are hundreds and potentially thousands of homes in the area of Major Mackenzie Drive between Yonge Street and Bayview Avenue which are at risk of having raw sewage back up in their basements. Most of these people are long time residents and live in homes that are 40 years old. They do not deserve the catastrophic consequences of having sewage enter their homes; most don’t even know they are at risk.
Richmond Hill Council was protecting these unsuspecting residents when it froze all new development for a time last year. Long time residents have been placed at risk by the delays in sewer construction both here and in Markham. The not-in –my-backyard opponents may have no regard for these homeowners, but Council will continue to protect residents who are at risk until the sewage capacity issue is worked out.