WINNIPEG, MB - To fund provincially-mandated upgrades of $1.2 billion to our City's sewage treatment facilities and address the rising cost of inflation, the City of Winnipeg Public Service recommends a three-year increase for water and sewer rates.
For a residential customer, recommended water and sewer rates, including the daily basic charge, will increase by 4.3% each year from 2013 to 2015. The average homeowner will see an increase of about three dollars per month.
The three-year increase of 4.3% each year recommended in the 2013 rate report is less than the 6% (2013), 6% (2014) and 6.5% (2015) projected last year.
This change was achieved as a result of ongoing review and analysis of operating and capital funding needs over the three-year period, to ensure adequate funding while working to keep rates affordable for customers.
"Council mandates us to provide the best value for our customers' dollars," said Diane Sacher, Director, Water and Waste Department. "We are providing the best possible water service, at a cost that is lower than many other Canadian residential customers pay."
The Public Service will report back on financial results if there are substantial changes to any of the assumptions used in the three-year rate projections.
The cost of Winnipeg's water and sewer services remains very affordable at a third of a cent per litre (2013 recommended rates). In the short term, rates will increase to support the fixed maintenance costs and the provincially-mandated capital upgrades. Longer term rates are forecast to increase by inflation.
The 2013 Water and Sewer Rate Report will be considered by the Standing Policy Committee of Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works on November 26, 2012. The report is available here.