MINTO – Minto residents can expect their wastewater rates to increase by two per cent next year.
Council made the decision at a Dec. 2 meeting following a delegation by Watson and Associates Economists manager Nancy Neale. She presented a water and wastewater rate study, providing an analysis of the town’s rates.
The base monthly charge will increase water rates by 4% annually.
“For example, the average house is usually on a 3/4” (pipe) meter and that rate will go from $26.62 per month in 2025 to $27.68 per month in 2026,” town treasurer Gordon Duff told the Community News.
Residents will be charged $2.53 per cubic metre for water (no change from 2025).
The average house’s wastewater bill will go from $32.49 to $33.14.
“The (wastewater) charge per cubic metre will not change from the rate charged in 2025, right through until 2036. It will remain at $3.19 per cubic metre,” Duff said regarding wastewater rates.
These changes – part of scenario two (of three) recommended by Watson and Associates – will be implemented in the first bill cycle in 2026.
Scenario two includes a 4% annual increase for base water charges and a 2% increase in base wastewater charges over the forecast period.
In addition, the water volume rate will not increase in 2026, but it will increase by 3% annually between 2027 and 2036. The wastewater volume rate will stay equal to the 2025 rate until 2036.
Scenario two also includes a switch from a declining block rate structure to a constant block rate structure.
“The present declining block structure means that if you are a high water user, the rate that you pay per cubic meter goes down,” Duff said.
“With a constant block structure, users pay the same per cubic meter regardless of the amount.”
Councillors had no comments regarding the study. They approved the scenario two rates and directed staff to review the rates in five years. The new rates take effect Jan. 1.
