Prince Edward County Council has approved new water and wastewater rates that will feature increased consumption charges in the summer but it has also directed staff to investigate a relief program.
Committee of the Whole passed the new rates on Wednesday which include a monthly base cost for both water and wastewater along with a per cubic foot consumption fee that will increase during the summer months.
The rates would be in effect from 2022-2027.
Councillor Mike Harper says a seasonal rate just makes sense in today’s world.
“We’ve declared a climate emergency, you know, we need to think about water conservation. We need to rethink, what and how we use our water. So I think we need that incentive to think that through and to actually put the proper value on water.”
Using this scenario staff say the tourism sector will help to pay for the impacts to the water and wastewater infrastructure.
In 2022, rates over and above the base rate during the off season would cost about $4.89 per cubic metre and about $7.34 per cubic metre during the summer months.
A motion by Councillor Kate McNaughton directing staff to look into a water/wastewater relief program for ratepayers who need it and a funding source was also approved.
She notes low and fixed income residents are already have trouble keeping up with their bills.
No timeline was set for staff to come up with a report.
The new water/wastewater rate by-law will be up for final approval at regular council on December 14 with the new rate structure to kick in on January 1.
