Canmore’s water and sewer ratepayers can expect to see their utility bills rise eight per cent this year, partly due to the fact that less water is being consumed in town.
Council passed the rate increases at its last meeting in December after hearing that projected revenue from rates are not expected to keep pace with expenses due to increases in Epcor’s contract price and decreases in consumption rates per account.
Canmore residents and businesses continue to make efforts to reduce water use and, between 2005 and 2010, residential accounts decreased a total of eight per cent and overall usage was down five per cent.
A staff report indicated 2011 usage is projected to continue decreasing, resulting in higher rates.
In addition to the decrease in consumption, a contract with Epcor signed in 2010 includes increases to reflect CPI (consumer price index) and growth of infrastructure and new accounts.
The estimated CPI for 2012 is two per cent and a 2011 adjustment for growth of $29,011 is expected to be similar next year.
While council approved an eight per cent increase to water/sewer fixed and variable rates, Councillor Hans Helder was the lone voice of dissent in expressing again his disagreement with the decision council made earlier in the month to fund a deficit in the utility rate model through taxes.
“It was a mistake to add a tax requisition to the cost of the utility (last year) and I think that mistake was carried on this year,” Helder said. “I do not feel the rate represents the true cost of the utility.”
