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User rates for water, garbage and sewer services in Nanaimo expected to increase

NANAIMO – City council passed the first three readings on bylaw amendments that will service rates increase in 2017.
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The new year could be the start of new rates for water, garbage and sewer in the City of Nanaimo. City council is one vote away from setting new rates that will kick in Jan. 1.

Sewer fees are proposed to increase five per cent, or the equivalent of $5.90 for the average single-family home, which the city says in a report will pay for long-term asset management plans for sanitary sewer systems.

It will also increase water rates by 7.5 per cent – $33.33 for those consuming an average 220 gallons a day – and garbage by two per cent. The higher costs for garbage come from contract increases from CUPE and recycling and increased fleet charges and is equivalent to a change of $2, according to the city.

Overall, an average home would pay $704.38, an increase of $41.23.

 

The core review did recommend a comprehensive user fee review, which the city began to act on in July with a request for qualifications. Its next step is to negotiate with the highest-evaluated proponent and develop an agreement. A review is expected to take about six months to complete.

Council passed the first three readings on amendments to three different bylaws for sewer, waterworks and municipal solid waste collection, with Coun. Jim Kipp opposed. The changes still have to be adopted.