Water and sewage rates are set to increase slightly each year from 2022 through 2025.
Residential users of municipal water and sewage services in Champlain Township currently pay $227.48 every three months. In 2022, that minimum rate, which includes 42 cubic metres, will increase to $236.24, representing an increase of 3.8 per cent.
In 2023, the residential rate will increase to $245.25, representing another 3.8 per cent increase. A three per cent increase in 2024 will translate into residential water and sewer rates of $252.62. Another three per cent increase set for 2025 will bring the rate to $260.20 every three months. In all, the rate increase over four years is 14.3 per cent.
In Champlain Township, there are municipal water systems for L’Orignal, Vankleek Hill, as well as a smaller number of users in part of Carillon Gardens; Pleasant Corners Public School and St. Jude Catholic School have connected to the Vankleek Hill water system. All of the Champlain Township municipal water systems use water which is purchased from the Town of Hawkesbury and is delivered to communities via pipeline.
Water and sewer connections are charged according to the size of connection. A 5/8, 3/4 or one-inch connection applies in most residential cases. There can be a 1 1/4-inch connection, a 1 1/2-inch connection, or a two-inch or greater connection. For this largest size connection, the overall rate increase is about the same as for residential users. An increase of 14 per cent from 2022 to 2025 will mean an increase from the 2021 rate of $682.73 to $780.59 in 2025.
These rates apply to properties where the owners have paid the capital connection charges.
Many municipalities which offer municipal water and sewage services are being diligent about increasing rates as the province has mandated that these systems be user-pay. The capital and operating costs for systems in smaller municipalities can be challenging. In turn, grant opportunities for large capital projects are not as available as they were at one time, so municipalities are trying to set aside sufficient reserve funds for capital improvements.
