That Council waive the five-minute timeframe in the procedure by-law to permit Nancy Neale to address Council for a maximum of forty-five minutes.
Nancy Neale, Manager, Watson & Associates Economics Ltd. provided a presentation with respect to the 2025 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Rates. Ms. Neale provided a study overview and spoke to the requirements and applicable legislation passed by the province to enhance water, wastewater and stormwater services. She highlighted the current 2024 rates, rate structures and the existing customer profile. Ms. Neale provided details with respect to the volume forecasts, capital infrastructure, capital needs and financing for the 2024-2034 period, as well as the lifecycle infrastructure costs. Ms. Neale highlighted the operating forecast inflation assumptions, operating budgets, base charges, volume charges, and flat rate customers. Ms. Neale shared municipal comparisons for residential properties and spoke to the average annual residential bill and the average percentage increase.
Ms. Neale explained what stormwater is and the need to manage it. She highlighted rate structures, users forecasts, stormwater system capital needs and financing (2024-2034), lifecycle infrastructure costs, stormwater operating budget, and the establishment of a stormwater capital reserve. Ms. Neale advised Council of the rate structure options and provided municipal comparisons, bill impact, and next steps.
Mayor Post invited questions or comments from members of the public.
Matthew Smith, McCarthy Street expressed concern with collecting stormwater charges based on the size of the property. Mr. Smith received a response from Mayor Post and Ms. Neale. David Smith, CAO advised that staff would provide a recommendation to Council at a future meeting to determine the collection of stormwater charges.
Mayor Post invited questions or comments from members of Council.
Councillor Andrews sought clarification with respect to quantifying climate change and best practices in other municipalities. Ms. Neale provided a response to Councillor Andrews. David Smith, CAO advised that staff are working on ensuring the Town's stormwater system is well maintained and working as efficiently as possible. Councillor Andrews commented on the importance of the education component with respect to the stormwater system.
Councillor Macintosh sought clarification on the water charges for residents that refuse installation of a water meter. Tim Kocialek, General Manager, Infrastructure Services provided the current rate. David Smith, CAO further advised the Town's actions in order to motivate customers to install a water meter.
Councillor Stevens requested that staff include a 5 year history of rates. David Smith, CAO responded to Councillor Stevens.
Councillor Sherwood commented on the absorption of the percentage increase to the base rate and sought clarification with respect to why the last study did not include a more sustainable increase. Ms. Neale provided a response to Councillor Sherwood. Tim Kocialek, General Manager, Infrastructure Services spoke to the increase in construction costs during the completion of the last study. Councillor Sherwood sought clarification with respect to the block rate. Ms. Neale provided a response to Councillor Sherwood.
Mayor Post sought clarification with respect to the reference of water fleet. Ms. Neale provided a response to Mayor Post detailing that the water fleet includes vehicles and equipment.
Mayor Post provided comment on the economic difficulty faced by many and the inherited infrastructure asset challenges faced by Council.
Councillor Sherwood sought clarification with respect to separating stormwater rates from property taxes. David Smith, CAO provided a response to Councillor Sherwood and spoke to next steps.