The Council of the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry is pleased to announce the successful signing of a long-awaited Cross-Border Servicing Agreement for water and wastewater services with the Township of North Huron. This landmark agreement secures the provision of essential water and wastewater services across both municipalities and marks a significant advancement in regional collaboration.

“Finally getting an agreement is a step forward for both of our municipalities. This is a win-win,” said Jamie Heffer, Mayor of Morris-Turnberry. “For six years our Council has tried to get a simple, straightforward agreement, and after some changes at North Huron we finally have people at the table willing to work with us. The harm to the businesses and residents in Morris-Turnberry — and to the area’s growth — caused by this long process can’t be ignored, but I’m proud of our Council for standing by what was right, and I’m glad we did.” 

In 2019 The Township of North Huron notified Morris-Turnberry it did not want to continue with the existing agreement for water and wastewater services in Wingham, signed in 2017. Since then, Morris-Turnberry has consistently advocated for a new agreement that is equitable, clear, and focused on cost recovery and legal protections. Negotiations over the years faced several challenges, with North Huron at various points imposing conditions that included unfair cost-sharing, payments for services that were not required, large financial penalties, and even the annexation of 786 acres of Morris-Turnberry land.

This agreement comes following challenges faced by North Huron in securing agreements with individual users after its representatives walked away from the negotiating table in 2023. The finalized arrangement outlines the terms and conditions for services provided from North Huron into Morris-Turnberry in areas of Wingham and Blyth, and from Morris-Turnberry to North Huron residents in Belgrave. It introduces a reciprocal and structured approach to infrastructure planning, cost recovery, and system management. Notably, it eliminates the 50% premium previously charged by North Huron to Morris-Turnberry users. Going forward, users will be charged equal rates, aligning with Morris-Turnberry’s fair-rate practices.