Sewer Lateral Program Return

After thorough internal investigation, analysis and consultation, the City of St. John’s will once again offer sewer lateral repairs.
 
“We are pleased that we have been able to find a solution to this issue while still achieving savings and efficiencies,” explained Councillor Danny Breen, Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Works. “Council shares homeowner concerns about the potential costs of sewer lateral repairs in particular, and with no other viable options available, we are pleased that leadership, staff and union representatives have identified a way to offer this program.”
 
As part of Budget 2016 – 2018, the City of St. John’s had announced plans to discontinue sewer lateral repair services to privately owned residential properties in 2016 and began to explore options for affordable and reliable insurance and/or warranty plans to be offered by private providers. However, after a thorough investigation of possible options, the City has determined that there are no cost-effective options for property owners that can be brokered by the City, so the City will once again offer this service for the fee of $500 per call.
 
Program Enhancements
As previously announced, the City now charges $100 for plumbing services related to sewer back-ups and thawing frozen pipes to owner-occupied dwellings; as part of the program review process to identify efficiencies in the organization, the Public Works Department will now also be able to offer the same service to non-owner-occupied (rental) dwellings within the existing staff complement.
 
“We know of many incidents, for example, where seniors have transferred ownership of their property to one of their children but still live in the home, and they could not access sewer services from the City,” explained Councillor Breen. “As part of the new program, any senior in this circumstance can also access the sewer lateral service.”
 
As per the organization’s strategic direction to be fiscally responsible, this program will be monitored closely and any financial considerations will be brought forward as appropriate.
 
 
Media Contact:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca