FORT ST. JOHN -- Water and sewer rates may be increasing for Fort St. John residents next year.
At the recent council meeting, the city council discussed the increased rates. They say the water rate for homeowners living in the city and rural areas may increase. It’s expected to rise by $2 per cubic meter, more than 60 per cent of its current rate, starting January 1.
Sewer rates may also increase for January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December. It’s been at a rate of $1.97 per cubic meter since 2022 but could increase to $2.02. However, the council may be decreasing the billing rate for sewers during summer months to respond to resident concerns about being charged sewer rates for water used for watering the lawn. It could decrease from $1.97 to $1.82, a 10 per cent decrease.
According to the council, water and sewer rates are based on everyday operating costs, current infrastructure replacement, future infrastructure replacement and infrastructure growth.
City council says the increase is to keep up with inflation. They’ll be discussing the matter on November 27th for adoption. If adopted, the rates will come into effect on January 1st.
