Horseshoe Valley Private Drinking Water

Freed Developments Horseshoe Zone 1 Integration

Zone 1 customers are currently subject to Freed/Horseshoe flat rate user fees of $880 per year ($220 per quarter). Conversely, existing municipal water fees are outlined above and include fixed operating costs, fixed infrastructure, and variable consumption rates. All municipal water connections are also subject to the provisions outlined in By-law 2016-100 (Municipal Water Supply).

In addition to existing municipal water user fees, a quarterly fee of $73.47 per quarter ($293.89 annually) will be included with new customer billing and identified as “Zone 1 Integration Connection”. Only those customers who are impacted by the Zone 1 Integration Project will be contacted regarding meter installation and ultimate connection to the Municipal Drinking Water System.

Alternatively, a further reduced one time payment of $7107.30 is available for those who elect to pay the full fee at the time their homes are connected to the integrated water system. For additional information regarding integration of Horseshoe Resort (Freed) customers to the Horseshoe Highlands Municipal Drinking Water System, please review a list of frequently asked questions and or view a map of water zones of each of the water services systems.

Court of Appeal for Ontario Decision Regarding Oro-Medonte Property Owners Association’s Appeal Pertaining to the Township’s Fees and Charges By-law/Ownership of the Zone 1 Private Horseshoe Resort (Freed Developments) Drinking Water System – January 24, 2024

On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, the Township received notice that the Court of Appeal for Ontario dismissed the Oro-Medonte Property Owners Association's appeal, pertaining to a May 3, 2023 Summary Judgement decision by the Superior Court of Justice. To view the decision, please see Court of Appeal for Ontario decision.

Court of Appeal for Ontario Order Regarding Oro-Medonte Property Owners Association’s Appeal Pertaining to the Township’s Fees and Charges By-law/Ownership of the Zone 1 Private Horseshoe Resort (Freed Developments) Drinking Water System - August 31, 2023

On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, the Township received notice that the Court of Appeal for Ontario dismissed the Oro-Medonte Property Owners Association's appeal, pertaining to a May 3, 2023 Summary Judgement decision by the Ontario Superior Court. To view the notice (Court of Appeal for Ontario Order), please see Court of Appeal for Ontario Order.

Ontario Superior Court of Justice Decision Regarding Partial Indemnity Cost Award to the Township - July 12, 2023

Recently, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice rendered a decision in the Township's favour pertaining to the Township seeking costs associated with matters raised by some members of the Horseshoe Valley community regarding the Zone 1 Private Horseshoe Resort (Freed Developments) Drinking Water System. To view the decision, and details related to the partial indemnity cost award of $112,799.90, please see Ontario Superior Court of Justice - Endorsement on Cost Re: Summary Judgement decision.

Freed Developments Horseshoe Zone 1 Integration Update - May 26, 2023

Integration of the Horseshoe Resort (Freed Developments) Zone 1 Drinking Water System to the Municipal Horseshoe Highlands Drinking Water System has been an integral part of the Township’s capital and corporate strategic planning process for several years.

In 2020, this capital project was placed on hold due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, which created challenges pertaining to installation of water meters and related access to private homes.

In 2023, through support of Council’s endorsement of the Township’s 2023 & 2024 capital budget, the project is restarting.

The Township understands and appreciates concerns regarding the project, as expressed by some residents in the Horseshoe Valley area, in particular ownership and associated municipal integration fees of the Zone 1 Private Horseshoe Resort (Freed Developments) Drinking Water System. Fortunately, in Canada, we live in a democratic society that affords individuals the ability to engage a fair and unbiased process, when scenarios present themselves where questions may be raised.

Recently, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice rendered a decision on the matters raised by some members of the Horseshoe Valley community regarding the Zone 1 Private Horseshoe Resort (Freed Developments) Drinking Water System. To view the decision, please see Ontario Superior Court of Justice decision.

The Township respects the Ontario Superior Court of Justice’s decision pertaining to ownership of, and associated municipal integration fees regarding the Zone 1 Private Horseshoe Resort (Freed Developments) Drinking Water System.

Integration of the Zone 1 Horseshoe Valley Drinking Water initiative is a staged project. As the project progresses, individual property owners will be contacted directly to arrange water meter package installations through an appointment booking.

Township of Oro-Medonte Administration Centre
148 Line 7 South
Oro-Medonte, ON L0L 2E0

Phone: (705) 487-2171
Fax: (705) 487-0133