On November 28, 2023, City Council will review the proposed 2024 Utilities Budget at City Hall, which includes updated water and wastewater rates for the coming year. The proposal comes from the Water & Wastewater department to ensure long-term sustainability and fund necessary infrastructure repairs.
The recommended rate adjustment is a 4.5 per cent increase for residential customers. This increase helps cover rising costs for materials, energy, and maintenance while keeping the utility financially stable. The updated rates will be applied to your water and sewer bill starting January 1, 2024.
Our main goal is to keep rates predictable for residents while making sure we can continue to maintain and upgrade our water infrastructure, said Robert Eng, City Manager. This budget strikes a careful balance between supporting the community and investing in the systems that keep our taps running safely.
The proposed budget also includes funding for several key projects, including the replacement of aging watermains in the downtown grid and upgrades to the Tamsin River Water Treatment Plant. These improvements are designed to reduce unexpected breaks and improve water quality across the city.
If you need help budgeting for the change, you can set up a pre-authorized payment plan or switch to a monthly instalment schedule through your account portal. This spreads the cost evenly and helps avoid late fees. Council will vote on the final 2024 Utilities Budget on December 12, 2023. More information about upcoming public meetings and budget documents is available on the News & Events page.