Sewer use regulation, charges amendment bylaw read in council

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John council gave the first three readings of amended bylaws that include a decrease in the sewer rate for residents during the summer.

On Tuesday, council passed the first three readings of the Water Regulation Amendment Bylaw and the Sewer Use Regulation and Charges Bylaw.

The water regulation bylaw changes include an increased water rate of $1.95 per cubic meter from $1.85 in 2023.

If the changes to the sewer use regulation bylaw are approved, there will be a decrease in rates for the summer months and an increase in rates for the winter months.

The sewer rate could rise to $2.02 per cubic meter in January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December and $1.82 per cubic metre for May, June, July and August, from $1.97 in 2022.

Councilor Trevor Bolin brought forward a motion in July directing staff to review options for billing sewer rates to limit additional charges for seasonal watering and present the options to council.

The amended bylaws will be brought forward on November 27th to be voted on for adoption.

More information on the amendments can be found below: