On November 12 Council agenda there is a report recommending water and waste water rate for 2025.  The blended water/wastewater rate proposed increase for 2025 is 2.17% (0%
increase on the fixed portion and 3.35% for the variable portion of the charge). This includes the 3.30% water/wastewater rate increase from York Region.This results in an estimated annual increase of $42.62 per household based on average usage over 2024. There will be a presentation on the agenda item.

As I think about the rate I think there are 3 fundamental conditions to which there must be compliance.

• In accordance with provincial regulations, York Region’s (wholesale) and theTownship’s (retail) water and wastewater rate setting processes are predicated on therequirement that rates achieve full cost recovery for the delivery of water and wastewater services.

• The goal of the Township is to be fully cost recoverable over the full 10-Year Capital Plan to reach financial sustainability in accordance with Council’s goal and legislated requirements.  This ensure that there will be the necessary capital dollars in the future to maintain the pipes and infrastructure being installed now and in past.

• We want confidence in the quality of our water.  Accordingly when our Internal DWQMS internal audit identified the need for an additional staff member to ensure compliance with the DWQMS and statutory carestandards.we need to add that resource.  Hence the recommendation to create the new Environmental Technologist position.

The report is very thorough.  To read the report and the accompanying schedules, including details about the environmental Technologist position see the Council agenda and scroll to 8.1.

As always, if you want to make a deputation please register with clerks@king.ca by noon November 12… If you want to send an email to Council please send to clerks@king.ca an email by noon November 12. .