On Thursday, August 28, Champlain Township council received a report on its 2026-2031 Drinking Water System Financial Plan (DWSFP) and approved the draft plan, which will result in water rates rising steadily through 2031.
The plan is designed to ensure that the drinking water system is financially sustainable and integrated into the Township’s decision-making and planning process.
The Champlain system serves roughly 3,400 residents in L’Orignal, Vankleek Hill, and Laurentian Park, drawing its supply from the Hawkesbury Water Treatment Plant under an agreement with the Town of Hawkesbury.
As part of the Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Township must update its plan every five years to maintain its license.
The report to council highlighted that operating costs are projected to rise approximately three per cent annually, increasing from about $957,000 in 2025 to $1.165 million in 2031.
The Township is also expected to pay approximately $1.8 million as part of the planned Hawkesbury Water Treatment Plant upgrades, including new filters and a backwash tank, electrical upgrades, and roof repairs. An additional $82,400 will be required from the Township for an upcoming valve chamber rehabilitation and flow meter installation project at Laurentian Park.
Champlain Township plans to borrow $3.57 million over the 2026-2031 period to cover its share of the capital projects, with the existing debt not being fully repaid until 2044. Staff said that no provincial or federal grants have been secured.
Residents can expect metered water rates to rise 6.5 per cent annually through 2031, leading to the rate per cubic metre increasing from $2.80 in 2025 to $4.09 in 2031. Additionally, minimum quarterly charges will reach approximately $42 per quarter by 2031. The current average minimum charge is between $28 and $31 per quarter.
Council unanimously approved the draft DWSFP without further discussion, with Councillors Paul Burroughs and Sarah Bigelow absent from the meeting.
The Township will submit the approved DWSFP to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
