The future of the Howson Dam in Wingham will be an issue for the next council.
North Huron struck down a motion by a 4-3 vote to set up a working group that would have considered the dam's future.
In a staff report, Director of Public Works Sean McGhee said the proposed group would have had seven members, including both a residential ratepayer and commercial representative from all three wards (Wingham, Blyth & East Wawanosh), as well as a chairperson selected by council.
Neil Vincent briefly left the reeve's chair to voice his thoughts on the committee, saying the ratepayers who have voiced their opinions on the matter should have a bigger say. Vincent said this is a "Wingham situation, not necessarily a North Huron situation." Vincent voted "no" to create the group.
Wingham Ward Councillors Trevor Seip and Yolanda Ritsema-Teeninga and Blyth representative John Stewart all voted "yes" on the recommendation of a committee, with Seip saying "we're all in the same boat" when it comes to issues that affect North Huron ratepayers.
Ritsema-Teeninga said "If the Howson Dam committee wants to keep it, they need to raise funds privately," but added it would have been good to have a dialogue between the wards in the form of a Working Group.
Blyth Councillor Brock Vodden voted "no", and said "We cannot afford to do that" when it comes to funding a possible repair or replacement or the dam solely with taxpayer dollars.
East Wawanosh representatives James Campbell and Ray Hallahan also voted "no".
The issue will now fall to the next council.