Williams Lake’s water treatment plant and deferred water projects bringing in an increase to water rates and water parcel tax.
A total of 10 non-essential water projects would be put on hold, while the City focuses on getting the water treatment plant done by 2029.
Chief Financial Officer, Vitali Kozubenko says they’re looking to collect money to fund the projects once the treatment plant is done.
“The water rate will be increased permanently, because the water would cost more once it’s treated, and that was the estimate that it will cost 13 percent more to produce the treated water.” says Kozubenko.
“The parcel tax increase, for now is only for the duration of the parcel tax bylaw.”
Kozubenko added once the bylaw has concluded, they will assess how much money is needed to conduct the remaining projects.
Water rates going up an estimated 13 percent would be approximately $37 a year for residential customers, and the City will also look to double the water parcel tax, which is an additional $84 per parcel.
Kozubenko says the parcel tax will specifically be reserved for the 2029 projects.
He adds that up to this point, residents haven’t been asked to contribute to the water treatment plant, as the City has been able to do it through the reserve and grants from the federal and provincial governments.
This would be the first ask to residents to support the construction of the water treatment plant.
Kozubenko notes that they will be working on changing the city bylaws to implement the increases, as they’re aiming to have the water parcel tax this year, with the water rates for mid-year or next year.
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