On October 14 Council agenda there is a staff report recommending water and wastewater rates for 2026. The proposed combined increase for the variable rate and the fixed rate Is 2.99%. It’s estimated that this amounts to an increase of $60.01 based on the average usage. In addition to the details about the increase the report also includes the capital projects which will be done in 2026 which are funded from the water and wastewater rate Including water main replacement on Manitou.  I am particularly please to see the latter as this road has merited reconstruction for a couple years but such has been delayed waiting for the water main replacement to be funded.

As reviewed in the report funding and financially managing water and wastewater is different from all the other municipal services as Provincial regulation requires that rates achieve full cost recovery for the delivery of water and wastewater services. The cost for this service is based on the wholesale rate charged by York Region who sets the blended rate for water and wastewater that is charged to the local municipalities and by the Township’s costs.  72% of the rate increase for 2026 is due to the increase from York Region.

I am very comfortable with the proposed rate increase. I am pleased that we continue to have a rate structure which incents water conservation. And as I mentioned above I’m glad that there is now funding to do the water main replacement on Manitou.Oct. 14

As always deputations can be made. To do so please register at clerks@king.ca by noon on  Oct. 14 or If you prefer you can e-mail your comments to clerks@king.ca and they will be distributed to Council members and appropriate staff.