Kirkland homeowners vow to fight back over sewage suit

The city of Kirkland plans to take some of its residents to court over their refusal to fix – and pay for – problems with their sewer pipes.

About 150 homes in the West Island city have been dumping waste water into local waterways for years, instead of the sewage system.

City councillors voted Monday night to pursue legal action against at least two property owners who haven't complied with the municipality's request to repair their pipes.

"Everybody that is polluter will be sued if they don't fix the problem," warned Counc. André Allard.

 Basile Maalouf is one of the two being sued, and says he's ready to fight back.

 "Why should I have to pay something that's not my problem, it's the city's responsibility?"

 The pipes were crossed when the homes were originally built.  

Benjie Calcetas and his wife Maggie said they have documents that date back to when they bought their house many years ago, certifying their pipes are properly connected.

"I was devastated," Benjie Calcetas said about Kirkland city council's public vote to sue him. "My son, my wife – we are being accused."

For now, only the Calcetas and Maaloufs are being sued, and Calcetas said he believes it is because he and his neighbour are part of a citizen's coalition that campaigned against having to fix their pipes.

Neither homeowner is ready to back down.  They say they are considering hiring a lawyer to fight the city of Kirkland in court.