Finance and Administration Committee Sets 2016 Water/Wastewater Rates

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, January 5, 2016

The Finance and Administration Committee has set the water and wastewater rates for 2016, with an overall rate increase of 7.4 per cent. This represents an increase of $71 for 2016 for the average residential customer who consumes 200 cubic metres of water.

The 7.4 per cent increase will fund:

• Maintaining Water/wastewater services – 3.8 per cent
• Increased capital investments – 1.8 per cent
• Consumption decrease – 0.9 per cent
• Biosolids Management Facility – 0.9 per cent

The water/wastewater capital budget was approved in the amount of $37.5 million which will fund:

• Water and sewer projects in coordination with roads projects - $9.9 million
• Watermain and sewer lining projects - $2.4 million
• Implementation of Automated Meter Reading technology (reserve funds) - $0.8 million
• Copper Cliff Wastewater Systems Upgrade – $8.4 million
• $600,000 in additional capital projects approved by Council

The water/wastewater budget supports an infrastructure of 69 lift stations, 9 wastewater treatment plants, 6 well systems, 4 wastewater lagoons, and 2 water treatment plants.

It is anticipated the water/wastewater rate bylaw will be approved at the January 12, 2016 City Council meeting.

For more information on the 2016 municipal budget process, please visit www.greatersudbury.ca/budget.

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