Council passes bylaw amendments including smart meter enforcement

City council passed two bylaw amendments on August 8 during its regular meeting, including a clause allowing the city to discontinue the water supply to any property that refuses to allow the installation of new smart meters.

The bylaw in question is No. 5670, “Sewer and Water Utility Bylaw Amendment, 2022(2)”, which acts to amend bylaw No. 5152 in several ways.

The relevant passages to average residents of Moose Jaw are Sections 2(b) and 10(4)(c).

Section 2(b) clarifies the meaning of City Engineer. The term “City Engineer” means the Director of Engineering Services — currently Bevan Harlton — or the Director of Public Works and Utilities — Darrin Stephanson — or their duly appointed representatives.

Section 10(4)(c) allows the City Engineer to recommend discontinuation of service should the property owner refuse to allow the installation of the water meter recommended by the Department of Engineering Services.

“As noted in previous reports, there will be ample notice and opportunity for customers to meet with the City and contractors to discuss any concerns,” the city’s report reads.

Having smart meters will offer a number of benefits to residents, including not having meter readers entering the property any longer, precise meter readings — no more estimated usage, more data available to homeowners on their water usage, and leak detection — potentially giving the homeowner time to avoid an unexpected bill or water damage to the property.

Some residents are concerned about the health effects of increasing radio frequency transmission exposure in their homes. Such risks are theoretically possible but have never been conclusively demonstrated.

Other amendments allow discussion between the City Treasurer and the City Engineer to resolve any billing issues during the installation of the new meters, increased the deposit required for new sewer and water utility rental accounts from $140 to $250, and clarified that the new Great Plains Power Station would be billed for only 15 per cent of its usage once operational.

The reason for the lower water billing at the Great Plains station is that the site treats its own effluent.

There was no council discussion regarding Bylaw No. 5670 and it is now in effect.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 5673

City council gave first, second, and third readings to this amendment and passes it unanimously.

Bylaw 5673 increases the residential density of the West Park development in Phase 4.

Councillor Crystal Froese praised the bylaw and was curious when West Park Phase 4 would actually begin.

Jim Dixon, city economic development manager, couldn’t give an exact answer, but said he understood from the developer that they were anxious to get started.