Niagara-on-the-Lake town council unanimously agreed to endorse a new service agreement with Kimbel Donayre Plumbing, providing residents with grinder pump service.
The town began working with Service Line Warranties of Canada in 2015 as a third-party service provider for the grinder pumps.
In 2024, the town was notified that Service Line Warranties of Canada’s warranty program was expiring for sanitary sewer coverage on private property, including grinder pumps.
The new company will provide an alternative for NOTL residents who may be stuck without a grinder pump service.
“This is another good example of our staff listening to the residents,” Coun. Wendy Cheropita said.
Cheropita thanked operations staff, noting they located the service provider themselves and put a report together in a very short amount of time.
The request for new grinder pump service was initiated by residents, with the town receiving a number of requests.
Grinder pumps were a key topic of discussion at Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa’s open house in St. Davids, where many residents were affected by Service Line Warranties’ cancellation of service.
The motion also includes a $100 partial reimbursement to property owners who have private coverage upon cancellation and sign-up for the new service.
Coun. Andrew Niven pointed out the importance of communicating the new service to residents.
“Last time there were only nine who took advantage of this program,” he said.
“It’s a great program, but it’s only as good as getting the word out there.”
The town will also continue to stock around five grinder pumps for emergencies.
