The RM of Cartier's taking a step forward in the expansion of rural water lines. At a special meeting Friday they gave first reading to a by-law to move ahead with the expansion, which would connect 44 homes north west of St. Eustache to the Cartier Water Co-op system. A public hearing was held early last week, with a majority of affected homeowners in attendance. While most were supportive of the expansion, Reeve Dale Fossay noted some had opposed the work. 

Reeve Dale Fossay

Despite a few concerns, Fossay says Council decided to approve the work as stated in the recommendation, as Council felt it was the best option. The total estimated cost of the work is $3 million, with half covered by the federal government, 25 per cent by the Province, and the remaining $750,000 covered by the municipality. Fossay says they've decided to fund their quarter of the cost through a debenture, which will be paid by area homeowners over the next 20 years.

"Certainly this will be the first time they're getting a utility bill for water. However, each and every one of them would be getting water from another source, either hauling it themselves, getting it hauled in or through a well. It's not a totally brand new cost to those folks."

They're facing a tight timeline for the process, due to the federal and provincial mandates attached to the work. Under the funding agreement, the work must be complete by March 2018, with an estimated start date of October 1st, 2016. Despite the deadline, Fossay says they're thrilled to finally be moving forward with this project.

"It's very good, it has been on our wish-list for many years to be able to deliver water to another 44 houses including two colonies, or several hundred people, it's very, very good."

While first reading has been given, there's also a window of opportunity for those concerned to voice their opposition to the province. Fossay notes only after that window closes can they begin to move forward with the project, including the tendering process.