Water and Wastewater Rates Study


Introduction:

The Municipality has a 10 year Financial Plan for the water and wastewater systems, which is based on the existing Water and Wastewater Master Plan. The financial plan shows the amount of money that is required in order to operate and maintain the systems in a sustainable way. The Water and Wastewater Rate Study will review alternative ways of charging water rates and is intended to provide a better understanding of how the rates are calculated. The study will consider whether the current stand-by and consumption rates are the best model, or whether other models such as a flat rate charge or capital charge would be clearer. It will also review whether the residential, commercial, and industrial rates are balanced appropriately.

Project Description:

  • Improved public transparency about rate charges and system costs.
  • Ability for Municipality to improve equity through support of organizations providing assisted housing to persons experiencing economic hardship.
  • Ability to determine long-term rate sustainability.
  • Analysis on whether different portions of the bill should be segregated between capital and operating and meter size for consumption.
  • Analyze the appropriate fee to be charged to future benefitting under the Infrastructure renewal fee.
  • Complete a study to determine long-term water and wastewater rates including: consideration of different billing models based on uses; identifying opportunities for offsetting costs for affordable housing; consideration of capital and operational requirements.

Contact:

Phases:

November 1, 2023

Receive and review Study for possible implementation in 2024

July 1, 2023

Collect and provide data for study.

April 1, 2023

Send out RFP to see interest.

Additional Resources:

additional-resources

Project Charter – Water and Wastewater Rates Study