Port Coquitlam homeowners will see about $14 added to their water and sewer bills next month.
Last week, city council gave three readings to utility bylaws that will increase water rates by 0.85% (an average of $3.50) and sewer levies by 3.75% (an average of $11).
The proposed water rates are:
• detached home: $430.63
• secondary suite: $430.63
• townhouse: $403.40
• apartment: $383.23
For sewer, the planned rates are:
• detached home: $317.48
• secondary suite: $317.48
• townhouse: $297.76
• apartment: $282.20
Low-income seniors — that is, elderly individuals with an annual income of $24,144, or $30,059 for a household — will pay half the rate.
Utility bills are mailed out in February; the payment due date is March 31.
It's the first time in three years water rates have gone up in PoCo, and four years with no change to sewer.
Proceeds go to Metro Vancouver, which supplies bulk-treated water to PoCo and disposes the city sewage; as well, they will pay for part of this year's ambassador program and some engineering studies.
Last year, the city's two ambassadors helped to educate residents about sorting waste, sprinkling regulations and securing garbage bins from bears.
Between June and September, they performed more than 3,100 curbside inspections, issued 717 first warnings and 68 second warnings, and identified six addresses for ticketing. The also talked to the community and students about their work.
