Starting in 2025, all residents on the municipal sewer system will pay a harmonized utility rate of $140 per billing cycle ($280 annually). This applies to users of the Route 636 System, the Village System, and the Charlie Little Road System.
Council made the decision to harmonize utility rates as part of the budget planning process in November of 2024 to ensure fairness and equity across all residents using the municipal wastewater system in 2025.
| Municipal sewer system users can continue to make e-Transfer payments to admin@harveyruralcommunity.ca and any questions related to harmonized utility rates can be directed to the municipal office. |
Previously, there were three different rates:
- Route 636 System: $125 per billing cycle ($250 annually)
- Village System: $100 per billing cycle ($200 annually)
- Charlie Little Road System: $195 per billing cycle ($390 annually)
The harmonized rate of $280 per year creates a consistent fee structure, reflecting the shared costs of maintaining and operating the utility systems.
The new rate was calculated based on:
- Operational Costs: The costs to maintain and operate the wastewater system.
- Infrastructure Investments: Ongoing upgrades and repairs to ensure reliable service.
- Fairness: Balancing rates so no single group of users disproportionately bear the financial burden.
| Note, there was no year-over-year cost increase in the total utility budget. Any surplus in the utility is applied to capital reserves for future infrastructure updates and repairs. |
Currently the Lagoon (WWTP) is undergoing and engineering analysis focused on long term heath and sustainability and will guide future decision making.