New sewer fee model in district

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 09, 2010 6:00 PM

Efforts to conserve water and infrastructure are flushing in a new sewer fee system in Coldstream. “We’re putting a rate system in similar to that of Vernon to conserve,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. The new fee structure puts less strain on conservative users and forces higher users to dig a little deeper. Therefore it encourages users to flush the toilet a little less, cut back on shower times and turn off the taps whenever possible.  “If people aren’t affected by it they won’t change,” said Garlick. “You’ve got to use a little less.”  Rates currently sit at $102.50 per quarter with a cubic metre charge of $1.54.  Expected to be implemented in 2011, the new fees will change to $54.19 per quarter while consumption rates will jump to $2.31 per cubic metre.  For the average consumer who uses 30 cubic metres, their quarterly bill will be around $123.  “For somebody who uses 90 cubic metres – which we do have some – it shifts the burden from the low consumer users to the high consumer users,” said Trevor Seibel, director of financial administration.  Those who have a consumption of 15 cubic metres or less will only pay the minimum charge of $88.84.  Coun. Gyula Kiss says the system isn’t what he had hoped for, but is confident that it is a step in the right direction.  “I think it’s going to lead to that (a better) system,” said Kiss.  Coun. Maria Besso opposed the new fee structure saying it’s not as fair as it could be.  “We haven’t taken the time as a council to do any strategic planning. We should endeavour to do a better job way prior to this next year.”