Letter: Time to turn off the tap on Cardinal Court

Every time I look at the news these days, especially with an election coming up, the main theme seems to be fiscal problems that the city is experiencing and attempting to control.

With this in mind, I have to wonder why it is that the hydrant (No. 4-20) on the corner of Cardinal Court and Montrose Avenue has been running non-stop, with a hose to the sewer, for more than three months now.

No amount of reasoning I try to come up with can explain the need for this. Is there a purpose to it? Has someone simply forgotten to do their job, over and over and over again?

I find it hard to believe a city worker has passed by this and not asked themselves the same questions. I also assume that the constant pool of water that sits there can’t be good for the structure of the road either.

The city feels the need to implement a bylaw that homeowners can only water their lawns either on an odd day or even day, depending on their street number. Yet, it feels that running a hydrant 24 hours a day, seven days a week for more than 100 days straight in the summer is not a problem.

I’m not sure if there is a cost associated with running that water constantly, but it has made me ponder the thought that if there is, is that cost being passed off to taxpayers without them knowing?

So with all the talk of a fiscal responsibility and what the city can do to save money, and also give taxpayers a break at the same time, may I give you my suggestion? Start by turning off the tap.

Richard AubinSudbury