An Edmonton council committee has decided tax dollars shouldn't be used to fix the crumbling alleys that haven't been paved in 40 years.

Alleys will not be part of the city's rehabilitation work, the transportation committee ruled Tuesday, meaning more than 1,000 kilometres will have to be repaired at the homeowners' expense.

The average homeownercould face a bill ofbetween $1,200 and $1,500, spread over 10 years.

City transportation officials like Mike Koziol said alleys have never been the city's responsibility and this is no time to change that.

"In the hierarchy of roads, alleys are at the bottom of the list as far as priorities I would suggest we fund," he said.

Councillor Karen Leibovici argued the lanes are no different than any other road.

"Alleys are a part of the neighbourhood, whether we like it or not, and in the hierarchy might not be needed for a bus to go down, but it's definitely needed for someone to get out of their neighbourhood."