Property owners on Woodland Drive will be asked to participate in a survey about water and sewer needs.
"We met with 27 residents from Woodland Drive on April 26 and it became very clear to city representatives as well as residents that it really is not a clear understanding what the scope of the problems are on Woodland Drive," chief administrative officer Brian Carruthers told council during its regular meeting Tuesday.
In order for the residents to move forward and staff to make recommendations to council, staff is suggesting a detailed survey with residents take place to determine what the problems are and what level of interest there may be among residents to establish a service area, Carruthers said, adding at the end of the survey staff and residents can sit down with the results to determine a course of action.
Coun. Surinderpal Rathor said he's heard residents are not in favour of huge, personal costs that would require taking out a second mortgage.
"I'm supporting the survey because it will be a closer step to solving the equation," Rathor said.
Bonnell attended the April 26 meeting and while he found it interesting did not find it very helpful.
"They did see the range of options and the costs associated with them, and I believe narrowing down the scope of interest in the project from each individual property owner will be very helpful for the whole process," Bonnell said, suggesting a call go out for volunteers from Woodland Drive to participate on the committee with the city.
"Our experience with South Lakeside in the late 90s and the incorporation of those residences into the city's water and sewer services was successful, I think primarily because we had a local community committee in consultation with the residents in the neighbourhood," Bonnell said.
Coun. Sue Zacharias said she was disappointed that only 27 out of 49 property owners attended the meeting.
The survey, she added, is a step in the right direction.
"I think we're on the right track, however, and I think we need to determine once and for all what the residents think they want and what the possible next steps are."
Carruthers said there is a resident who has offered his services to be the conduit between the city and Woodland Drive.
"I have no doubt that we will have participation from the residents," he added.
Rathor also urged residents to "get involved" because council cannot do it alone.