Given inflationary pressures to maintain service levels, as well as expected community growth, Chatham-Kent water and wastewater customers will be seeing a hike to their rates.
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Public utilities commissioners approved the recommendations during at Jan. 18 virtual meetings.
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In an average household using 17 cubic meters a month, residents will pay an extra $2.66 a month for their water and wastewater in total, or an additional $31.92 a year.
According to a staff report, construction and supply costs have “dramatically increased” since 2020. The commission had engaged Watson and Associates Economists Ltd. last year to provide an updated water and wastewater rates study.
Darren Galbraith, the commission’s general manager, called the rate hikes modest when compared with other jurisdictions.
“If we were to decrease rates, we would be struggling to maintain our level of service and our infrastructure,” he said. “And our operations and maintenance.
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“I think it would affect growth for sure, if we’re not going to be able to expand facilities, for capital growth, and it will also hinder us on our lifecycle.”
There was one deputation from a Chatham resident who believes ratepayers are being pushed to the breaking point through rising costs.
Speaking on the teleconference call, Tim McLean said the public should not be a “bail you out” option whenever funds are needed.
“We live on a finite income. We all shop for lesser priced items, buy in bulk or coupon clip or simply bypass our favorite grocery items, because prices continue to rise,” he said.
“Instead of just rubber stamping requests just because of the asking, please ask yourselves before deciding.”
West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson said she sympathizes with residents who already are feeling the financial pinch.
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However, she added the commission finds itself in a “difficult place to be,” given the importance of water usage in day-to-day life.
“We’re seeing these constant increases in everything that we do,” Anderson said. “We get what we pay for and there’s certain things that you don’t want to cheap out on. You don’t want the one-ply toilet paper, no matter how cheap it is.
“Obviously, our water is one of those things.”
She said those at the table need to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining acceptable service.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said there is only so much Chatham-Kent can do with respect to inflationary impacts.
“Water safety is No. 1. Period.” he said. “We need to make sure we are doing everything right. And we’ve seen what happens when things aren’t done right in other communities. That’s unacceptable.”
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