Ratepayers will see an average increase of $53.24 over the year for water-wastewater services.
St. Catharines residents will soon pay a little more for water and wastewater services.
On Monday, Council approved 2022 rates for the services, which comes to an increase of $53.24 over the year for the average ratepayer.
This comes as the Niagara Region resumes a 5.15 percent increase to its water-wastewater budget, resulting in increased costs for the purchase of water and treatment of wastewater for the City.
Officials say critical investments in water infrastructure will be made despite the increase in order to ensure safe drinking water for residents as well as reliable removal of wastewater.
"One of the City’s core responsibilities is providing residents safe, clean, affordable drinking water when they turn on the taps," said Mayor Walter Sendzik. "This year’s water and wastewater budget supports financial sustainability and includes improvements that support operations and address impacts of climate change, while also ensuring we deliver high-quality services our community deserves and relies on."
The City says annual fixed water rates will rise by 6 bucks, from $177 to $183, while water volumetric rates will go up by five cents per cubic metre, from $1.37 to $1.42.
Meanwhile, annual fixed wastewater rates will go up by $18, from $135 to $153, and volumetric rates will rise by 12 cents per cubic metre, from about $2.03 to $2.15 per cubic metre.
The new rates will come into effect on March 1st.
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