Point Edward water rates jump another 5%

Cathy Dobson Sewer and water rates in Point Edward are jumping nearly 5% for a second consecutive year. The increase will cost the average monthly user $4 per month, says the village’s chief administrator, Jim Burns.

Cathy Dobson

Sewer and water rates in Point Edward are jumping nearly 5% for a second consecutive year.

The increase will cost the average monthly user $4 per month, says the village’s chief administrator, Jim Burns.

“Provincial legislation states that municipal water and sewer has to be self-sustainable. By increasing rates, we are trying to rely less on casino revenue.”

Point Edward budgeted about $2 million for the water and sewer department this year.

In setting the 2017 rate, village council used $125,000 from the capital budget to offset water costs.

“If we didn’t bring revenue over from the capital side, the increase would be 10% more,” said Burns.

The village’s sewage treatment plant is 25 years old and in need of capital upgrades, he added.

Improvements have been made the past three years but a significant update is needed that’s estimated to cost $400,000.

The 2017 budget set in early January includes $160,000 for that work with the hope a government grant can be obtained.