Showing posts with label sewer rates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewer rates. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Tuesday, March 07, 2017
Sewer Hook-Up Cost Increased
Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 KISS FM Ron Manz March 07, 2017 04:31 pm
Coldstream is proceeding with development of a bylaw for mandatory sewer hook-up for residents along Kalamalka Road and Giles, Pine and Mackie Drives. The bylaw will be introduced next Monday, March 13th. Coldstream CAO Trevor Siebel says hook-up fees will be $5-thousand dollars per household but there will be an exemption initially. “Residents that are adjacent to the sewer line between McClounie and Mackie they have a two year window to connect to the system without having to pay the connection fee.” Siebel says the municipality wants to expand the system further east into the municipality with the west end pretty much totally hooked up now. “The sewer line doesn’t go further out than where it is right now out to Mackie. That line from McClounie to Mackie is sort of the most easterly part of the system.” Siebel says hook-up fees have been increased to 5-thousand dollars from 2-thousand initially simple to cover the actual cost. “When we would connect from the sewer line and the road to their property line, those costs were far above the $2,000 that’s why we had to make that change.” About 60 homes are being exempted initially.
Coldstream is proceeding with development of a bylaw for mandatory sewer hook-up for residents along Kalamalka Road and Giles, Pine and Mackie Drives. The bylaw will be introduced next Monday, March 13th. Coldstream CAO Trevor Siebel says hook-up fees will be $5-thousand dollars per household but there will be an exemption initially. “Residents that are adjacent to the sewer line between McClounie and Mackie they have a two year window to connect to the system without having to pay the connection fee.” Siebel says the municipality wants to expand the system further east into the municipality with the west end pretty much totally hooked up now. “The sewer line doesn’t go further out than where it is right now out to Mackie. That line from McClounie to Mackie is sort of the most easterly part of the system.” Siebel says hook-up fees have been increased to 5-thousand dollars from 2-thousand initially simple to cover the actual cost. “When we would connect from the sewer line and the road to their property line, those costs were far above the $2,000 that’s why we had to make that change.” About 60 homes are being exempted initially.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
It stinks, say homeowners
By Kate Bouey - CASTANET Jan 10, 2017 / 6:00 pm
A mandatory sewer hookup program in Coldstream is causing a bit of a stink. Approximately 50 letters have been mailed to affected households on Kalamalka Road, Giles Drive, Pine Drive and Mackie Road explaining how the program will work, confirmed Trevor Seibel, Coldstream's chief administrative officer. According to the letter, “the protection of Coldstream Creek and the tributary creeks are our priority.” An information session is being held at the municipal office on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 5-8 p.m. While the homeowners have two years to hook up and pay the $2,000 fee, a number of them have expressed frustration with the additional cost and work that is required on their properties. Some say it could be as high as $25,000 as many have their septic systems in the back and need to bring their line right up to the road.
When the sewer line extension went in, homeowners were told they would only have to join if their septic systems failed.
“Unfortunately, most did not because they had functional disposal systems,” said Coun. Gyula Kiss. The councillor said when the decision was made in 2005 to extend the sewer line, about $650,000 was used from a reserve that had been set up for the replacement of lift stations. Later, another $250,000 was used by the district to buy latecomer hookup fees from the developer of Coldstream Meadows. “The big problem was there was no new bylaw to recover the funds from the extension,” Kiss said. “(Council) feels now that we have sunk all this money into it, we should recover it and force all these homeowners to hook up.” Kiss said he was opposed to the initial extension of the line. He also mentioned that those who have not hooked up are still paying an additional $100 a year parcel tax.
A mandatory sewer hookup program in Coldstream is causing a bit of a stink. Approximately 50 letters have been mailed to affected households on Kalamalka Road, Giles Drive, Pine Drive and Mackie Road explaining how the program will work, confirmed Trevor Seibel, Coldstream's chief administrative officer. According to the letter, “the protection of Coldstream Creek and the tributary creeks are our priority.” An information session is being held at the municipal office on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 5-8 p.m. While the homeowners have two years to hook up and pay the $2,000 fee, a number of them have expressed frustration with the additional cost and work that is required on their properties. Some say it could be as high as $25,000 as many have their septic systems in the back and need to bring their line right up to the road.
When the sewer line extension went in, homeowners were told they would only have to join if their septic systems failed.
“Unfortunately, most did not because they had functional disposal systems,” said Coun. Gyula Kiss. The councillor said when the decision was made in 2005 to extend the sewer line, about $650,000 was used from a reserve that had been set up for the replacement of lift stations. Later, another $250,000 was used by the district to buy latecomer hookup fees from the developer of Coldstream Meadows. “The big problem was there was no new bylaw to recover the funds from the extension,” Kiss said. “(Council) feels now that we have sunk all this money into it, we should recover it and force all these homeowners to hook up.” Kiss said he was opposed to the initial extension of the line. He also mentioned that those who have not hooked up are still paying an additional $100 a year parcel tax.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Water rates vs sewer rates.
Saturday, March 05, 2016
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Water and sewage hikes in the offing
by Kathy Michaels - Kelowna Capital News posted Feb 17, 2015 at 3:00 PM
Both water and sewer rates in Kelowna will rise in dribs and drabs to accommodate increased operating costs and to fund future capital replacement projects. Engineering chief John Vos told council Monday, that the typical homeowner will pay an extra 59 cents a month for water and an extra 38 cents a month in sewer charges, with rate hikes pegged at four per cent over two years. The cost, he explained, is relatively low as there are some significant bills coming down the pipe. The city’s water system will need $43 million worth of upgrades in the next two decades. Part of that is because the city is still replacing some original cast iron pipes that were put down when the utility was established a century ago. Even more is due to a need to replace all the residential and commercial water meters that were installed in the 1990s. Concurrently, the waste water system will need a $76 million investment. Although nobody likes the idea of rising rates, said Coun. Gail Given, the increases on the table will take the sting out of what could otherwise amount to a massive bill. "What's really important is that this equalizes payments so they won't see massive (hikes)," said Coun. Gail Given. "Predicting the needs and spreading a small amount over a long time … this is better than the alternative." A typical Kelowna home that uses an average of 41 cubic metres a month would be billed about $43 a month. The charge for comparable usage is about $90 in Vernon and $80 in Kamloops.
Both water and sewer rates in Kelowna will rise in dribs and drabs to accommodate increased operating costs and to fund future capital replacement projects. Engineering chief John Vos told council Monday, that the typical homeowner will pay an extra 59 cents a month for water and an extra 38 cents a month in sewer charges, with rate hikes pegged at four per cent over two years. The cost, he explained, is relatively low as there are some significant bills coming down the pipe. The city’s water system will need $43 million worth of upgrades in the next two decades. Part of that is because the city is still replacing some original cast iron pipes that were put down when the utility was established a century ago. Even more is due to a need to replace all the residential and commercial water meters that were installed in the 1990s. Concurrently, the waste water system will need a $76 million investment. Although nobody likes the idea of rising rates, said Coun. Gail Given, the increases on the table will take the sting out of what could otherwise amount to a massive bill. "What's really important is that this equalizes payments so they won't see massive (hikes)," said Coun. Gail Given. "Predicting the needs and spreading a small amount over a long time … this is better than the alternative." A typical Kelowna home that uses an average of 41 cubic metres a month would be billed about $43 a month. The charge for comparable usage is about $90 in Vernon and $80 in Kamloops.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Water, sewer rates going up
by Wayne Moore CASTANET- Feb 12, 2015 / 4:36 pm
Water and sewer rates in Kelowna are going up by two per cent. The utility increases for 2015 and 2016 are for operation, maintenance and capital improvements associated with each. The city's water utility provides water to approximately half the city's residents, with the remainder served by four water improvement districts. As part of a review of the water utility, it was determined replacement costs of aging infrastructure will cost in the neighbourhood of $43 million during the next 20 years. This includes between $9 million and $11 million to replace aging water meters over the next few years. The two per cent increase will mean an additional 59 cents per month in 2015 for the typical residence using 41 cubic litres of water per month. The increase will jump to an additional 60 cents a month in 2016. A proposed two per cent hike is also proposed for the wastewater utility, which provides collection and treatment service to approximately 70 per cent of all city residents. A review of that utility shows a forecast expenditure of approximately $76 million in asset renewal over the next 20 years. The increase will amount to an additional 38 cents a month for residents in 2015 and 39 cents a month in 2016. City council is expected to approve the rate increases Monday.
Water and sewer rates in Kelowna are going up by two per cent. The utility increases for 2015 and 2016 are for operation, maintenance and capital improvements associated with each. The city's water utility provides water to approximately half the city's residents, with the remainder served by four water improvement districts. As part of a review of the water utility, it was determined replacement costs of aging infrastructure will cost in the neighbourhood of $43 million during the next 20 years. This includes between $9 million and $11 million to replace aging water meters over the next few years. The two per cent increase will mean an additional 59 cents per month in 2015 for the typical residence using 41 cubic litres of water per month. The increase will jump to an additional 60 cents a month in 2016. A proposed two per cent hike is also proposed for the wastewater utility, which provides collection and treatment service to approximately 70 per cent of all city residents. A review of that utility shows a forecast expenditure of approximately $76 million in asset renewal over the next 20 years. The increase will amount to an additional 38 cents a month for residents in 2015 and 39 cents a month in 2016. City council is expected to approve the rate increases Monday.
Saturday, December 06, 2014
RESIDENTIAL Water Consumption vs Sewage Disposal Comparitive Costs
Water Rates are the 2014 Water Rates including a 24% increase to base and a 20% consumption rate increase. An online calculator where you can figure your individual $ and rate increase for WATER: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqjuHhD4a7O5dHR2UzU5WkhaTF9HLW5FOW1wNmpDQ0E&usp=drive_web#gid=0
Friday, June 27, 2014
West Kelowna ratepayers can expect higher utility bill next month
Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2014 4:22 pm kelowna Daily Courier
West Kelowna residents will see a substantial increase on their July utility bill, a result of increased costs associated with the Regional Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant. West Kelowna said in a news release Wednesday it was advised by the Regional District of Central Okanagan that it would be charged an additional $494,265 for sewer service based on adjustment to the sewer flow calculation for the community. A further $210,000 increase would be billed to the municipality to pay for increased biosolid hauling costs. West Kelowna residents will see a rate increase of 22.92 per cent ($49.24 annually per household) on RDCO sewer rates, beginning on the next utility bill to be distributed in July. Partially offsetting the sewer rate increase is a reduction in recycling fees. Incentive funds provided from Multi-Material British Columbia (MMBC) for communities that participate in recycling programs will be used to reduce the cost of recycling to residents. Altogether, these changes will result in a net annual increase of $30.80 on the utility bill for an average single-family home, beginning next month.
West Kelowna residents will see a substantial increase on their July utility bill, a result of increased costs associated with the Regional Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant. West Kelowna said in a news release Wednesday it was advised by the Regional District of Central Okanagan that it would be charged an additional $494,265 for sewer service based on adjustment to the sewer flow calculation for the community. A further $210,000 increase would be billed to the municipality to pay for increased biosolid hauling costs. West Kelowna residents will see a rate increase of 22.92 per cent ($49.24 annually per household) on RDCO sewer rates, beginning on the next utility bill to be distributed in July. Partially offsetting the sewer rate increase is a reduction in recycling fees. Incentive funds provided from Multi-Material British Columbia (MMBC) for communities that participate in recycling programs will be used to reduce the cost of recycling to residents. Altogether, these changes will result in a net annual increase of $30.80 on the utility bill for an average single-family home, beginning next month.
Sunday, September 01, 2013
Sewer Rates In Vernon went up July 1, 2013. (Will show up on your Oct.1 ,2013 Utility Bill)
Sewer User Rates Bylaw #5400 effective July 1, 2013
Sewer User Rates Bylaw No.2955 effective April 1, 2008
RESIDENTIAL RATES SEWER :
Vernon residents are paying more for sewer. It calls for a 2.5 per cent hike on base residential fees. The exact base change is from $48.98 to $50.20 quarterly or $4.88 a year. If council adopts the bylaw, the new rate will take effort for second quarter billing starting April 1.
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Don Quixote Note: There is no change in the 2.45m3 consumption charge/quarter (based on water consumption minus first 20m 3 free in first Quarter) for the Residential customer. The consumption charge is in addition to the new revised base rate charge of $50.20 per quarter.
COMMERCIAL RATES SEWER :
Basically there is an elimination of the minimum quarterly charge of $48.98 and it has been replaced by a base fee that every customer gets billed for of $52.07 per quarter. The consumption fee for Commercial remains at $2.54/m3 (80% of actual commercial consumption is counted) per quarter. These changes mean that for every business who has billed consumption of 24.1 m3 or more there will be a $52.07 INCREASE per quarter. For those with consumption below the 24.1m3 threshold your $ increase will be smaller.
Additional Sewer Revenue 2014:
Residential 16361 x 1.22 x 4 = $79,841
Commercial: 1016 x 52.07 x 4 = $211,612 (maximum)
Discount by 15% for below 24.1m3 customers = $211,612 x .85 = $178,870. (estimated)
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Total Additional Revenue 2014 =
Between $258,711 & $291,453
Plus new connection revenue.
Sewer User Rates Bylaw No.2955 effective April 1, 2008
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| RESIDENTIAL OLD SEWER RATE DISCONTINUED JUNE 30, 2013 |
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| RESIDENTIAL NEW SEWER RATE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2013 |
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| COMMERCIAL OLD SEWER RATE DISCONTINUED JUNE 30, 2013 |
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| COMMERCIAL NEW SEWER RATE EFFECTIVE July 1, 2013 |
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| $5/year to sit on the Throne at Home. |
Vernon residents are paying more for sewer. It calls for a 2.5 per cent hike on base residential fees. The exact base change is from $48.98 to $50.20 quarterly or $4.88 a year. If council adopts the bylaw, the new rate will take effort for second quarter billing starting April 1.
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Don Quixote Note: There is no change in the 2.45m3 consumption charge/quarter (based on water consumption minus first 20m 3 free in first Quarter) for the Residential customer. The consumption charge is in addition to the new revised base rate charge of $50.20 per quarter.
COMMERCIAL RATES SEWER :
Basically there is an elimination of the minimum quarterly charge of $48.98 and it has been replaced by a base fee that every customer gets billed for of $52.07 per quarter. The consumption fee for Commercial remains at $2.54/m3 (80% of actual commercial consumption is counted) per quarter. These changes mean that for every business who has billed consumption of 24.1 m3 or more there will be a $52.07 INCREASE per quarter. For those with consumption below the 24.1m3 threshold your $ increase will be smaller.
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| COMMERCIAL RATES SEWER EFFECT July 1, 2013 |
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| 2012 Annual Report - P.110 |
Residential 16361 x 1.22 x 4 = $79,841
Commercial: 1016 x 52.07 x 4 = $211,612 (maximum)
Discount by 15% for below 24.1m3 customers = $211,612 x .85 = $178,870. (estimated)
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Total Additional Revenue 2014 =
Between $258,711 & $291,453
Plus new connection revenue.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Municipality officials issue sewer credit
By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 18, 2013 1:00 AM
Coldstream is refunding nearly $30,000 in sewer charges to Coldstream Meadows. Following an in-camera discussion Monday, council agreed to issue a credit of $29,109.51 to the Mackie Drive retirement complex, including applicable interest, for sewer related adjustments. The adjustments date back to 2011, 2010, 2009 and the fourth quarter of 2008.
Coldstream is refunding nearly $30,000 in sewer charges to Coldstream Meadows. Following an in-camera discussion Monday, council agreed to issue a credit of $29,109.51 to the Mackie Drive retirement complex, including applicable interest, for sewer related adjustments. The adjustments date back to 2011, 2010, 2009 and the fourth quarter of 2008.
Thursday, July 04, 2013
Flush with confidence
Thursday, 04 July 2013 02:00 SCOTT TRUDEAU Penticton Herald:
An $11.7-million waste-water treatment plant in Okanagan Falls was officially opened Wednesday. "This is a great step forward for the Okanagan Falls community," said Area D director Tom Siddon. "The current sewage system is almost 40 years old, and the age of the technology was beginning to show." The new facility, located about one kilometre south of the community, has been operating since March 6. It replaces a plant that sat next to a residential area of OK Falls. The old plant was unable to keep up with the needs of the community or increasing environmental standards. Waste water from the new plant is being treated using nutrient-removal technology, allowing it to be reused. For example, treated effluent is being used in the facility's heating and cooling systems as well as in its toilets and for irrigation. The treated effluent also is being released into the Okanagan River. The new plant is equipped with a control room featuring sensors that allow staff to monitor the plant's mechanical workings and ensure equipment is working properly. The project received $6.2 million in federal-provincial funding through the Canada-B.C. Building Canada fund, with the remaining amount coming from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. With the new plant, residents will see a rise in sewer rates. The exact breakdown of the cost was not known, but Siddon said in May that the rate hikes will be phased in over three years to mitigate the impact on ratepayers. Residential rates will climb this year by $85 to $616, and additional hikes will occur in 2014 and 2015. The new facility has nearly double the capacity of the former facility and currently services about 750 properties in the OK Falls area.
An $11.7-million waste-water treatment plant in Okanagan Falls was officially opened Wednesday. "This is a great step forward for the Okanagan Falls community," said Area D director Tom Siddon. "The current sewage system is almost 40 years old, and the age of the technology was beginning to show." The new facility, located about one kilometre south of the community, has been operating since March 6. It replaces a plant that sat next to a residential area of OK Falls. The old plant was unable to keep up with the needs of the community or increasing environmental standards. Waste water from the new plant is being treated using nutrient-removal technology, allowing it to be reused. For example, treated effluent is being used in the facility's heating and cooling systems as well as in its toilets and for irrigation. The treated effluent also is being released into the Okanagan River. The new plant is equipped with a control room featuring sensors that allow staff to monitor the plant's mechanical workings and ensure equipment is working properly. The project received $6.2 million in federal-provincial funding through the Canada-B.C. Building Canada fund, with the remaining amount coming from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. With the new plant, residents will see a rise in sewer rates. The exact breakdown of the cost was not known, but Siddon said in May that the rate hikes will be phased in over three years to mitigate the impact on ratepayers. Residential rates will climb this year by $85 to $616, and additional hikes will occur in 2014 and 2015. The new facility has nearly double the capacity of the former facility and currently services about 750 properties in the OK Falls area.
Sunday, June 09, 2013
Mabel Lake sewer costly
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 09, 2013 1:00 AM
Accessing water and sewer could be a costly proposition for residents of one Kingfisher neighbourhood. The Regional District of North Okanagan will hold a
petition process to determine if North Lakeshore property owners are
willing to pay for the extension of sewer and water lines from the Mabel
Lake utility. “There are people avid they want it and people adamant they don’t want to pay for it,” said director Jackie Pearase. Presently, North Lakeshore properties are served by
private shallow water intakes in Mabel Lake and they do not meet
Canadian drinking water guidelines. In terms of effluent, it’s believed some properties may have failing septic systems and the sewer service is close at hand. However, there would be a price to pay for extending both services. The estimated cost to construct water main extensions
is $691,000, meaning there would be a per property capital cost of
$22,290. For sewer, the total price tag is $2,675,882, which translates
into a per property capital cost of $19,532 and a connection fee of
$1,600. In total there are 31 properties that would get water and 137 properties that would get sewer. Pearase admits the financial impact on residents could be steep but she believes sewer is essential to protect Mabel Lake. “This is at least the second time this (proposal) has
been done and it failed then. I hope people’s appreciation of the
environment has increased,” she said. Pearase also believes sewer connections could have a positive financial benefit. “The difference between an outhouse and an indoor toilet is a big selling point for someone’s property value,” she said. If the petition processes are successful, construction could be done in the fall of 2013 or the spring of 2014.
Sunday, May 05, 2013
Landing residents frustrated over sewer fee
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: May 05, 2013 1:00 AM
Paying for a service they don’t use has some Okanagan Landing residents upset. The City of Vernon is enforcing a residential sewer base charge — $48.98 a quarter — to anyone that has a sewer line going past their home but is not connected. “I’m not too impressed,” said resident Shirley Blatchford. “It’s never been mentioned that we would have to pay a sewer rate. We have a septic tank. We aren’t using the sewer system.” Blatchford looked at the city bylaw and she says the fee should only apply to properties connected to the service. However, she says that wasn’t the response when she contacted city hall with her concerns. “I was told that’s the way it is and there was no explanation,” she said. “I paid the fee and wrote a letter saying it’s not justified.” Also unhappy with the fee is resident Dean McAreavy. “I’m paying for something I don’t use,” he said. McAreavy says he spent $20,000 on a septic system when he built his home because sewer was not available, and then the sewer line was installed a year later. “We didn’t know it was coming,” he said, adding that if he had known in advance that sewer was going to be available, he would have adjusted his construction plans. The city defends the fee although property owners are not receiving sewer service. “The infrastructure is there and they have the ability to connect to it,” said Kevin Bertles, finance manager. “There is a cost to maintaining infrastructure.” Such a fee has always existed in the rates bylaw, but it’s just being enforced now. “It took us awhile to go back and compare as-billed properties to those not billed. It was part of a fairly significant project directed by council,” said Bertles. Coun. Bob Spiers says residents should have been paying the fee since the bylaw was initiated in 2008. “If they have a sewer line in front of them, they have the ability to access it. If they don’t (access it), that’s their choice,” he said. Mayor Rob Sawatzky describes the fee as a standard local government protocol. “You provide an amenity that improves the value of a property, so the property owner shares in the cost. Inevitably, septic fields will fail and people want to connect to sewer right now,” he said.
Paying for a service they don’t use has some Okanagan Landing residents upset. The City of Vernon is enforcing a residential sewer base charge — $48.98 a quarter — to anyone that has a sewer line going past their home but is not connected. “I’m not too impressed,” said resident Shirley Blatchford. “It’s never been mentioned that we would have to pay a sewer rate. We have a septic tank. We aren’t using the sewer system.” Blatchford looked at the city bylaw and she says the fee should only apply to properties connected to the service. However, she says that wasn’t the response when she contacted city hall with her concerns. “I was told that’s the way it is and there was no explanation,” she said. “I paid the fee and wrote a letter saying it’s not justified.” Also unhappy with the fee is resident Dean McAreavy. “I’m paying for something I don’t use,” he said. McAreavy says he spent $20,000 on a septic system when he built his home because sewer was not available, and then the sewer line was installed a year later. “We didn’t know it was coming,” he said, adding that if he had known in advance that sewer was going to be available, he would have adjusted his construction plans. The city defends the fee although property owners are not receiving sewer service. “The infrastructure is there and they have the ability to connect to it,” said Kevin Bertles, finance manager. “There is a cost to maintaining infrastructure.” Such a fee has always existed in the rates bylaw, but it’s just being enforced now. “It took us awhile to go back and compare as-billed properties to those not billed. It was part of a fairly significant project directed by council,” said Bertles. Coun. Bob Spiers says residents should have been paying the fee since the bylaw was initiated in 2008. “If they have a sewer line in front of them, they have the ability to access it. If they don’t (access it), that’s their choice,” he said. Mayor Rob Sawatzky describes the fee as a standard local government protocol. “You provide an amenity that improves the value of a property, so the property owner shares in the cost. Inevitably, septic fields will fail and people want to connect to sewer right now,” he said.
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