New water rate structure coming in 2027

Council approved a new water rate structure that will come into effect in 2027. The new structure will see more equitably distributed costs for water, wastewater and stormwater while keeping water bills affordable. The average residential property will see a decrease of two per cent, and the average multi-residential property would see no change.

The average non-residential property will see an increase of five per cent. While most rural residential properties would see a decrease in their current stormwater fees, vacant properties and some farms in the rural area will begin contributing to stormwater costs. The new water rate structure would be revenue-neutral for the City. 

For stormwater rates, the City will transition to billing based on impervious surface area, which is a more accurate measure of the demand a given property places on the City's stormwater system. It also promotes climate resiliency by encouraging property owners to reduce impervious surfaces.

This will apply in urban areas as well as the villages of Manotick, Richmond and Carp. All other properties in the rural area will cease paying a stormwater charge and will instead contribute to a special area levy to fund rural roadside ditch maintenance. Typical rural properties will see a decrease in stormwater costs.

The City will seek to recover more fixed costs for drinking water and wastewater services through fixed fees. A new model for drinking water and wastewater rates, with separate tiers for residential, multi-residential and non-residential properties, will provide a more balanced approach to both fixed and variable charges.

It will also better reflect actual usage patterns, ensure fairness across all property types and continue to promote water conservation.