Drain Grant Program - 2 Wendigo Way

The Works and Utilities Committee reports having received the following communication (February 10, 1999) from Councillor Korwin-Kuczynski, High Park; and submits such communication to Council at the request of Councillor Korwin-Kuczynski:

I am writing to you on behalf of Ms. Sherwood, 2 Wendigo Way, Toronto, Ontario.

For your reference I attach the following documents, and I would ask that you place the attached matter on the next Committee meeting agenda.

Your consideration of this report is greatly appreciated.

(Communication dated November 5, 1998, addressed to

Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski from

Mr. Werner Wichmann, Works and Emergency Services,

respecting the Drain Grant Program - 2 Wendigo Way)

I refer to the correspondence from Wendy Sherwood regarding the above and advise that the drain grant program, as approved by City Council, deals specifically with damage done to private drains by the roots of City-owned trees. Therefore, the Legal Department dealing with the application for a grant to repair the septic system would not be in a position to approve the grant.

As far as I know, the issue of a damaged septic system from tree roots has never come up before and, in any case, because there are very few septic systems in the City, this would not be a big problem. I can see why the owner argues that the damage to the septic system should also be eligible for a grant, however, the approval of such a grant would require City Council approval.

If you want to pursue this matter, then it should be brought before the Works and Utilities Committee for its consideration and recommendation to City Council.

The Works and Utilities Committee also submits the following communication (April 19, 1999) from Ms. Wendy Sherwood, Toronto, Ontario:

The purpose of the deputation is to request the Committee to endorse and recommend the inclusion of septic tanks into the Drain Grant Program and forward said motion to City Council for approval.

Rationale for Inclusion in Program:

Webster's Third New International Dictionary (unabridged) defines "Drain" as:

"Drain (vb.) 1. to pass (liquid) through some permeable substance; 2a. to draw off (liquid) by degrees: cause to flow gradually out of: draw off completely (the water from a tank); 3a.to exhaust liquid contents by drawing them off: to make gradually dry or empty."

"Drain (n), an artificial channel by means of which liquid or other matter is drained or carried off".

A septic system consists of a tank that collects the waste and a perforated tile bed. The tiles provide the means for the drainage from the tank. I believe that the above definitions of drain accurately describe a septic system.

With reference to the original intent of the Drain Grant Program (since the number of septic systems in the City has been and continues to be in a very small minority), I believe its intention was to cover off all drains, be it a septic system or sanitary sewer system.

In our specific case, the roots of the two large willow trees on the City's property invaded the tile bed and damaged the system beyond repair.

Expenses Incurred by 2 Wendigo Way:

As a result of the tree roots invading the tile bed, we incurred considerable expense in connecting our sanitary drains to the City's sanitary sewer system. In addition to the $1,800.00 we paid for the sewer connection from the property line to the City's manhole, we had to remove the septic tank and retrofit the existing drains in the house. Since the invert of the City's sanitary sewer is above the elevation of our basement, we had to install a pumping system to access the City sanitary sewer system. Our costs for these additional actions resulted in an expenditure of over $5,900.00. I believe that it is in the best interest of all parties (homeowners, City of Toronto, and environmentalists for reduction of carbon dioxide) to connect all septic tanks users to the sanitary sewer system. Extending the Drain Grant Program to include septic systems will assist homeowners with this common objective. If any member of the Committee or Council would like a personal visit to verify the facts, please contact me.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

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Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, High Park, appeared before the Works and Utilities Committee in connection with the foregoing matter.

(A copy of each of the attachments to the foregoing communication dated February 10, 1999, has been forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda for the Works and Utilities Committee meeting of April 21, 1999, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)