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The Other Side of the Desk: Sale of InnPower could be just the beginning (update)

Former Innisfil mayor Barb Baguley gives her perspective on recent political happenings in the community column from The Other Side of the Desk.
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Barb Baguley, former Mayor of Innisfil

December 16 update:

It is now clear that the Town of Innisfil is thinking of selling some or all of the municipal water and wastewater system. 

After quesions were asked by the public at the December 15 meetng, Council held a two-and-a-half hour closed door session.

They came back to the public, and reported that they approved the transfer of the water and wastewater assets to a new company called InnService (wholly owned by the town).  

Council deferred any decision on the sale of InnPower (Hydro) to EPCOR until the New Year.

Also, Innisil is currently exploring options regarding a water and wastewater sale/partnership with EPCOR. 

This is a complex issue with no easy answers.

I hope we have open public consultation prior to any decision being made. 

December 15 original story:

Ever tried to find information from a town council or other level of government?

It’s not always easy and since I left the position of mayor last year, I’ve begun to realize just how frustrating it can be for citizens to find answers about council happenings.

Transparency and easy access to information is missing, so it can be a challenge to find out what’s going on in Innisfil and what decisions mean for the future.

I consider myself to be familiar with report reading and info gathering, but I am having quite the time finding out what is happening with the potential sale of InnPower (Innisfil’s Hydro Company) to EPCOR. 

EPCOR is a company solely owned by the City of Edmonton.

They operate as a commercial entity, governed by an independent Board of Directors.

They provide water, wastewater and electricity services. 

Innisfil is debating the sale of 50 per cent of InnPower to this Edmonton-based company.

It’s a deal that I think could have serious implications for the town and all taxpayers.

Once the Hydro sale is closed, how long will it be before Innisfil Council considers selling not only hydro, but also the municipal water and wastewater systems? 

This is another principle business of EPCOR, so it is not much of a stretch to think it is possible.

Council will be debating this matter starting at 7 p.m. tonight, December 15.

It's a debate that was suspended when time ran out on December 9.

The problem is that there has been little promotion of this meeting other than a posting on the Town Calendar and a notice on the Community Bulletin on Friday, December 11.

Surprising and disappointed to see there has not been a media release or any information published on the Twitter account for the town to announce a meeting where a pivotal decision about the future financial well-being of our town.

The most essential aspect of government is transparency and full disclosure of such a radical redirection of the financial interest of the town.

I encourage anyone who can possibly attend the meeting to do so in order to have a say on this monumental decision and the financial future of Innisfil.


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Barb Baguley

About the Author: Barb Baguley

Barb Baguley is the former mayor of Innisfil, Ontario. As a columnist, Barb gives her perspective of political happenings in the community through her regular column, The Other Side of The Desk.
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