After much discussion, Kenora city council has reluctantly passed a new sewer and water rate study, which starts in 2027.
It calls for an increase for the average homeowner of 9 percent a year.
Greg Breen is the Director of Engineering and Infrastructure and say the good news is that council can change the rates, if the situation improves.
“One of the great deliverables from the rate study that Watson (& Associates) performed is a working model, where we can make real time adjustments based on revenues we’re currently receiving and what the out-year impact of those, and so we can use those to inform our discussions,” Breen told council Tuesday night during the open council meeting.
Breen says there is some urgency to pass the new water rates.
“The application is due at the end of this month. That application has to include a financial plan that covers the next 6 years. We’ll make that application. That will enable us to get our drinking water license renewed and then if there were future amendments to the plan, we would work with the province to notify them of those changes and update our plan.”
Some members of council, including the mayor, reluctantly passed the water rates, because it includes a one-time increase of close to 60 percent for industrial users in 2027.
In the end, the resolution passed by a vote of 5-2, with only councillors Barb Mason and Lisa Moncrief voting against.
