Frequently Asked Questions, An Easy Read
Hey there! BLARE is a group of neighbours in Brechin and Lagoon City fighting crazy water and sewer rate hikes. Think of this FAQ as quick bites – simple questions, even simpler answers. No fluff, just facts to help you decide you’ll want to tackle the cause.
What is BLARE and what are you trying to achieve?
BLARE is a not-for-profit group of local folks teaming up to tackle 2.6 times water and sewer rate hikes and demand real accountability. We want fair water & sewer bills, safe infrastructure and a real say in community choices.
Corporate Registry
What does BLARE stand for?
BLARE means Brechin & Lagoon City Area Ratepayer Equity. It's all about fairness & equity for our local ratepayers.
How did BLARE get started?
Financially burdened residents in Brechin and Lagoon City started BLARE in July 2025 to unite our voices to push for fair rates, safe infrastructure, and community input.
How do I become a member step-by-step?
Super simple!
Go to www.blaregroup.com, click "Become a Member," register online (no payment yet), then pay your $50 via eTransfer, cheque, or cash – instructions come by email.
Questions? Email membershipblare@gmail.com
Why is there a $50 fee? What does the money go toward?
The $50 is a yearly membership for our transparent, not-for-profit corporation. The fees Cover basics like professional help, research, advocacy, town halls and website operations. It's investing $50 to save way more on bills later.
Who runs BLARE?
BLARE is a team of dedicated neighbours:
- President & Spokesperson Jean-Paul Gauthier,
- Chairperson Bill Mason,
- Secretary/Treasurer Joan Clarke
- Membership/Communications Director Donna Fletcher.
Board of Director details
Additionally, there are approximately 12 canvassers helping to get the word out!
Are you just complaining or do you have a plan to fix crushing water & sewer bills?
No whining here – we have a real plan.
We'll seek professional advice on the best way to get to solutions, we’ll lobby governments and stakeholders for accountability and fair rates. We'll team up with folks ready to shake things up.
How can I trust that BLARE will make a difference?
We're your neighbours and we're fired-up about a healthy community (money-wise, safety-wise, and vibe-wise). We promise straight-up integrity and strong ties with key players. Our books are open to members.
What's the latest on 2025 sewer & water rates?
Ramara Council adopted new water & sewer rates for 2025-2033 back in November 2024. https://ramara.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/87295/?preview=102023
The bylaw was amended in Dec 2025 to now reflect 15% year-over-year for sewer until 2033
https://ramara.civicweb.net/document/120608/
Expect even more future hikes tied to infrastructure fixes, haulage, delays and overruns.
Why are our water and sewer rates increasing so much?
Our rates are increasing primarily because of a ~$7M (Now $10.1M) replacement for Bayshore's failing sewage works and its symptomatic ~$4+M trucking of waste to Lagoon City, plus many other unknown costs.
Combined Sewer/Water Rates are rising 2.6x by 2033 taking your average quarterly bills to over $1500/quarter or $6,000/year or more.
How can we actually stop these rate increases?
BLARE unites us to push for fair and equitable rates. We'll explore every option from working with local Council to advocating to County, the province and the federal government while getting professional advice to make it happen.
Is this for a class action lawsuit?
We're all about advocacy. But we might grab expert input on rate rules and governance to fight for fairness and equity.
Why is this limited to the Village of Brechin & Lagoon City?
We're focusing on our local area to finally bring a much needed voice. While our first goal is to seek solutions for huge sewer hikes (2.6 times by 2033), we’ll be here to work on building a stronger, united community that ensures long-term affordability, equity and well-being for all residents.
Why hasn’t someone approached Ramara’s Council?
We totally did in 2024 - with no success. A promised Open House was cancelled by all Councilllors but Ward 5’s Sherri Bell. Questions we were asked to submit were largely unanswered. Councillor Sherri Bell speaks about accountability, transparency and engagement and in agreement with Ontario’s Municipal Act, suggested we form BLARE to amp-up our voice. Here we are.
In Jan 2025, BLARE had formal meetings with the township infrastructure department with the promise of quarterly updates. We plan to report these discussions in our newsletter.
What if I rent? Why should I care about these rates?
Renters get hit too – landlords just pass on the hikes.By 2033, an average two-person bill is on track to top $5,000/year, making rent tougher. Nudge your landlord to join BLARE!
Will BLARE help to address other issues?
You bet! We’re starting with fair water and sewer rates but BLARE will grow to tackle critical concerns such as the CN train crossing and services plus community wants like recreation, beautification and We'll align with other groups for bigger wins.
What can I do to help?
You can volunteer to spread the word and even help bring members. We can always use more canvassers an expand our Board - full members or members-at-large
If you’re interested and feel you could help, please reach out. generalblare@gmail.com
What can I do to help if I don’t have a lot of time?
Easy peasy: Chat it up with neighbors, follow us on social media, or sign up for updates at www.blaregroup.com. Every little bit boosts our power – thanks!
Are there any upcoming events or meetings?
Watch for our Members area here and in the meantime, follow us on Facebook for the latest – we’re working toward hosting town halls and advocacy sessions. No specifics right now, but stay tuned for ways to join in!
https://www.facebook.com/BLAREGroupRamara
What is BLARE's stance on candidate endorsements?
BLARE does not endorse or oppose any candidates for elected office and has no intention of doing so. We believe our members and all voters are best equipped to decide who is most suitable for any position. Our role is to provide factual, relevant information to help everyone stay informed about issues that matter to our community. We encourage individuals to review this information (along with other sources), evaluate it critically, and reach their own conclusions about whom to support. This approach respects the independence and judgment of every voter.
