Water and Wastewater Bills Higher Than Other Municipalities

The cost of the Collingwood pipeline and pump system added a noticeable cost increase to municipal water and sewage users.

massive infrastructure demands, long-term external water purchasing

Water and wastewater aren't profit centres for the Town. We operate on a cost-recovery basis, meaning what residents pay goes toward delivering these services, maintaining our systems and planning for future repairs and upgrades.

Every municipality is a little different when it comes to how they get their water and what it costs to treat and deliver it. Here in New Tecumseth, we rely on a combination of wells and water brought in through a 57-kilometre pipeline from Collingwood. We also have three wastewater treatment plants to operate and maintain. None of that is inexpensive, especially when you factor in provincial regulations, testing, treatment and the people needed to keep everything running safely.

Something worth pointing out is that, before the recent rate increases, New Tecumseth actually had some of the lowest water and wastewater rates in Simcoe County and among comparable municipalities. Even with the increases, we're moving closer to the middle of the pack.

We also have a projected $141 million shortfall in funding for water and wastewater infrastructure over the next 10 years. That's a significant amount of money, and it's one of the reasons we need to build our reserves and plan ahead instead of waiting until something breaks and being faced with a much larger expense.

I know nobody likes seeing their utility bills go up. I don't either. But we also can't afford to fall behind on maintaining the infrastructure we all rely on every day. We've seen what happens in communities where corners get cut and that cannot happen here in New Tec.

Hi there! Thanks for the question. Out of 15 comparable municipalities 15th being the lowest rate and 1st being the highest rate New Tecumseth is number 10. I have a chart I can share with you (this forum wont allow me to attach a pic) send an email to [email protected] and I can share that chart with you! Unfortunately for a very long time New Tec water rates were based off the cost of producing the water - seems no one took into account that over the years this major assest needs fixing, upgrading and regular maintenance. Asset management should always be factored into the cost of service delivery.

There isn’t one simple reason our water and wastewater bills are where they are, and there isn’t one simple solution to lowering them.

New Tecumseth has significant infrastructure costs, including aging water and wastewater systems and the cost of securing enough water capacity for our growing community.

I also think it’s important to recognize that the current Council has successfully advocated for outside funding. Earlier this year, the Province committed up to $12.5 million toward rehabilitation of the Alliston Wastewater Treatment Plant, which helps reduce the amount that ultimately has to be funded locally.

We need to keep doing that. We also need to ensure growth pays its appropriate share through development charges, continually review operating and capital costs, and look for every opportunity to reduce pressure on existing ratepayers.

I don’t think it would be responsible for me to promise that I can simply lower everyone’s water bill. What I can promise is that I will question increases, understand what’s driving them, support every reasonable opportunity for outside funding, and make affordability part of every decision.

Thanks for the question. I believe our bills are completely based on what you use. There are no hidden costs.

My perspective on other municipalities is limited. While I have no numbers to compare with other towns, I do share in the dissatisfaction with the costs. This is on my list of items needing to be examined.