Horseshoe Valley Private Drinking Water

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.

This project will provide Municipal control over the drinking water supply, treatment, and distribution for identified properties currently serviced by the private Horseshoe Resort (Freed Developments) Zone 1 Drinking Water System. Integration includes the technical components and required steps to facilitate connection to the Municipal Horseshoe Highlands Drinking Water System.

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 2025, through Council’s endorsement of the Township’s 2025 and 2026 capital budget, and legal matters regarding ownership of the Zone 1 Private Horseshoe Resort (Freed Developments) Drinking Water System and associated municipal integration fees to the  Horseshoe Highlands Municipal Drinking Water System settled, the project is restarting. 

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

PLEASE NOTE: 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.​

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 under the “Municipal Drinking Water Fees & Fines” tab and include fixed operating costs, fixed infrastructure, and variable consumption rates.

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”. Alternatively, a further reduced one time payment of $5,577.24 is available for those who elect to pay the full fee at the time their homes are connected to the integrated water system.

2024 Fee Review

On April 24, 2024, Council authorized KPMG LLP to complete the Horseshoe Valley Zone 1 Drinking Water Integration fee review, and provided direction to staff to pause the project pending review of fees. The KPMG LLP analysis determined that the Zone 1 Integration Fee should be marginally increased by $17.07 per unit per year. For further information, please view the Township Staff Report ES2024-14.

Understanding the integration of customers currently receiving drinking water from the privately owned Horseshoe Resort (Freed Developments) Zone 1 Drinking Water System to the Township’s Municipal Horseshoe Highlands Drinking Water System will be an adjustment, and also appreciating the importance of the capital project to the Township, staff and Council agreed to not adjust the quarterly integration fee which was established and endorsed in 2019. However, Schedule J of the Township's Fees and Charges By-law will be amended to reflect a one-time fee of $5,577.24 for those who elect to pay the full fee at the time their homes are connected to the integrated drinking water system.

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.​

On May 3, 2023 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.