Water rates in Vaughan expected to run you about $75 more per year

Yorkregion.com
April 11, 2014
By Adam Martin-Robbins

Taking a shower, doing a load of laundry and flushing your toilet is likely going to get more expensive.

The city and Region of York are proposing a combined increase to water and wastewater rates of 8.85 per cent.

That works out to a hike of $75.27 a year, or $6.27 per month, for the average homeowner who consumes about 300 cubic metres per year.

If approved, the bulk of the increase — $53.97 — pours into the Region of York’s coffers while the remaining $21.30 flows to the city.

The increase is mainly driven by the need, especially at the region, to build up reserve funds for the future infrastructure renewal including water mains and water treatment facilities, city staff say.

In the short term, it is anticipated that there will continue to be annual increases of about 6 per cent. The price hikes are expected to start levelling off in 2016.

This year’s proposed hike comes on the heels of an overall property tax hike — including the city, region, school board and Vaughan hospital levies — of $66 for the average homeowner. 

You’ll have a chance to share your thoughts on the proposed hikes to the water and wastewater rates during a special council meeting Tuesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. in the council chamber at city hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.