STAFF REPORT

January 31, 2000

To: Toronto Community Council

From: David F. Parrish, Director of Districts 1 and 2 Water and Wastewater Operations

Subject: Drain Grant Appeal for 103 Alton Avenue

Ward 26, East Toronto

Purpose:

An appeal to a denied drain grant application has been made by the property owner, Mr Gordon Calhoun, 103 Alton Road. The applicant is requesting to be reimbursed for repairs to the interior drain piping under his basement floor.

Financial Implications:

There are currently sufficient funds in the Water and Wastewater Services Division's Preliminary 2000 Operating Budget to cover this appeal.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the appeal be denied.

Background:

City Council, at its meeting of May 11 and 12, 1999 adopted, as amended, Clause 3 of Works and Utility Committee Report No. 7, entitled "Sewer Connection Blockage Inspection and Repair Program, and Tree Root Removal and Grants Policy". Under the Policy the City provides grant assistance for repairs to private drains between the City property line and the building where the blockage is the result of roots from a City tree and is verified by City staff.

The Policy also provides the homeowner the opportunity to appeal for an enhanced grant and to appear in deputation before Community Council when the grant application is denied or when total costs exceed the grant maximum.

On October 1, 1999, drain expenses were incurred by Mr. Gordon Calhoun by reason of work performed to the internal drain system in the basement of his residence. Drain repair invoices totaling $1,498.00 were submitted on October 18, 1999 for consideration under the Tree Root Removal and Grants Policy. On November 8, 1999 Mr. Calhoun was advised in writing that, in accordance with the Policy, the cost of work done on internal drains in his basement was not eligible for reimbursement. As such his grant application was denied.

Staff have determined that there have been no prior grant applications and that the Works and Emergency Services' Dispatch Centre has no current record of any drain related calls for the subject address. There are no extenuating circumstances to be considered in this appeal.

Comments:

The Tree Root Removal and Grant Policy does not provide for reimbursement for costs incurred by the homeowner for internal drain work. Grant assistance is available only if the roots of a City-owned tree are blocking the private sewer connection pipe between the home's exterior foundation wall and the property line.

Conclusions:

Simply put, Mr Calhoun's original request for a grant was denied as the costs are not eligible under the Policy. There are no extenuating circumstances involved so this appeal should also be denied.

Contact:

Mike Siokalo, Manager of Operations and Maintenance

District 1, Area, Water and Wastewater Operations

Phone: 392-9331

Fax: 392-0378

E-Mail: msiokalo@toronto.ca

David F. Parrish, P.Eng.

Director of Districts 1 and 2 Water and Wastewater Operations

Water and Wastewater Services Division

MS/bmk