East Gwillimbury water rates set to rise $75 in 2017

YorkRegion.com
Feb. 7, 2017
Simon Martin

Water rates have spiked in recent years and that’s not going to end any time soon for residents in East Gwillimbury.

Staff unveiled a proposed 2017 water and wastewater budget at council Tuesday and it looks as if the rates are going to continue to rise. The fixed rates for water and wastewater are going up $14 to $120 per quarter. 

The variable rate is also set to rise to $4.37 per cubic metre, up from $4.25. The rate is $2.28 /m3 for water and $2.09/m3 for wastewater.  Staff said, on average, the proposed increase would cost East Gwillimbury homeowners around $75 more a year. The town said 85 per cent of the increase comes from increase cost from the region.

It’s hardly a surprise that water and wastewater rates are on the rise.

The region has $110 in 2018, $120 in 2019, $131 in 2020 and $45 in 2021. East Gwillimbury gets its water from the region.

The region argued the increases were needed to cover operating costs; meet expenses, including payments to Toronto and Peel and Durham regions for water and wastewater services; maintain $5.3 billion worth of infrastructure now and in the future; and build up its infrastructure reserves.

So, if you thought your water bill was going down any time soon, don’t hold your breath. While the average East Gwillimbury home will pay just under $1,200 in 2016, that will rise to just over $1,600 in 2021.

East Gwillimbury has been wrestling the past few years to bring its fixed rate more in line with the provincial norm. The majority of the town’s costs are fixed and related to delivering water to residents, while the revenue is variable and fluctuates with usage.

Town operation includes testing water, delivery of safe drinking water to property owners and delivery of wastewater to the region.

According to staff, currently 69 per cent of revenues come from the variable rate while 31 per cent come from the fixed rate.

 Town staff said it is important for residents to know that a water leak could cost you big time.

According to the town, a continuous leak of 1/16 inch for three months would cost $1,479.