Most utility rates will be increasing for the upcoming year.
On Dec. 10, council unanimously voted in favour of granting three readings to a motion that would hike rates. At this stage, adoption is almost certain.
Water rates will increase by 4%. Solid waste collection rates will range from 0% to 4% increases. Solid waste landfill tipping fees will range from 0% to 20%.
Sewer rates, however, will not increase at all.
“Growth, along with a 0% increase of rates, will provide sufficient revenue for the sewer utility,” reads a staff report.
Some seniors may be feeling the increase more acutely.
“This is the second year of a phased water rate increase for metered not-for-profit seniors housing,” reads a staff report to council. “This will result in a significant increase in cost for the impacted buildings.”
Previously, council voted in favour of raising rates at metered seniors complexes, as they were previously underpaying. These are The Cedars and The Manor at 38201 3rd Ave; the Solterra development on 1211 Village Green Way and One Tree Hill, on 3210 Mamquam Road.
During the meeting on Tuesday, no details were given on exactly how much seniors at those complexes will pay in 2020.
In 2019, the metered flat rate for senior housing is $131 per unit.
For that year, properties where water usage starts exceeding 112 cubic metres per unit, had to pay $1.46 for every extra cubic metre used.
