Water costs airline $12,909
Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Jan 15/01) - A plumbing problem at the Canadian North warehouse here has left the company with a huge water bill.
The town has offered to trade the debt for airline tickets.
The problem became apparent in July when the company received a bill, several months late, for $12,909 for water use from February to July.
"When I saw the bill I choked," said Reynold Icart, the company's customer service manager. They usually pay $200 to $300 every two months.
"I don't want to have a fight or go into a court case which is ugly for everyone. I've got no other recourse but to go to the municipality."
The Town admits the bill was late, but Chief Administrative Officer Rick Butler said people have to pay for the water they use.
"We are very clear with businesses and residents that we expect services to be paid for."
The problem began in February when a bleeding valve was installed on the warehouse's water line. That allowed water to flow non-stop because a timer to control the flow was not installed.
Companies that did the work are fighting over who's responsible, but Canadian North asked council to "consider dropping the charges related to the water consumption.
"In no way do we want to be in a position of not assuming responsibility," said Icart. "We want to find a reasonable solution that would not put anybody under."
Butler suggested council consider a "creative suggestion" that "Canadian North services in lieu of cash might be a consideration to help address the concern."
Butler said Town representatives will talk with Icart before the next council meeting on Jan. 23.
