Water Rates Increasing for Vacant Lot owners.

The vacant lot base fee charge will increase from $31.77 per quarter   in 2010 to $66.20 on April 1, 2011.  This represents a 108% increase ($137.72 annual increase). The definition of the 'Base fee means "the minimum fee for access to potable water supply. This includes developable, non-agricultural properties that have the ability to connect to the GVWU Sustem regardless of whether they are actively connected. Lots that are actively using an alternate water supply such as another water utility,well, lake or stream intake, for potable water use or will never require a water service are exempt from this fee.' (Definition from GVWU Rates Imposition Bylaw No. 2437, 2010.        

Vacant lots have been hit with tax increases for fire in the City of Vernon when the fire tax base was changed from Improvements only to both Land & Improvements. That resulted in a 23% tax increase in 2009 for the vacant lot.  That same vacant lot is also subject to a City of Vernon sewer charge under bylaw 2955. All properties which have a sanitary sewer collection line adjacent to their property will be charged a fee of $48.98 per quarter per residence.