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.
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.
Freed Developments Horseshoe Zone 1 IntegrationZone 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.
Bill Due Dates
Water usage is billed quarterly, with payment due dates falling on the last business day of February, May, August and November.
Water Billing Schedule
| January - March | April | May |
| April - June | July | August |
| July - September | October | November |
| October - December | January | February |
The Treasurer shall impose a five (5) percent late charge on all unpaid accounts on the day after the due date. If an account remains unpaid, the Township may collect amounts payable pursuant to Section 398(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, c. 25, as amended.
Pro-Rated Water Charges
Depending on when a water meter is activated, first homeowners in new subdivisions may be subject to pro-rated fixed charges on their first water bill. Fixed fee pro-rating is based on the following guidelines:
Water meter activated 0-45 days into the billing period = 100% of flat fees charged
Water meter activated 46-76 days into the billing period = 50% of flat fees charged
Water meter activated 77-90 days into the billing period = 25% of flat fees charged
In addition to any pro-rated fees, all customers are charged the water consumption rate based on metered water usage during the billing cycle.
