New bi-monthly billing cycle starts in the new year
Township of King, Ont.— The Township is committed to providing residents with safe drinking water, and the collection of wastewater, while being financially responsible with taxpayer’s dollars. At a Council Meeting on Monday, Nov. 13, the proposed 2024 water and wastewater user rates were approved by Council. The average homeowner can expect to see a 2.24 per cent annual increase of $43.05 in the new year.
New in 2024, the billing cycle will change from quarterly (four times a year) to bi-monthly (six times a year). The change will provide property owners with smaller bills each billing cycle and assist in spreading larger bills in seasonal months to a more manageable level. Property owners can monitor their water usage on the Township’s new online portal, as well as sign-up for pre-authorized automatic withdrawals. More information is available at king.ca/waterbilling.
User rates reflect cost of living increases and help fund necessary infrastructure projects, such as watermain replacements. Continued investment in an aging municipal water system is required to protect public health and the water system to meet obligations under the province’s Safe Drinking Water Act and the Ontario Water Resources Act.
“No other service we deliver has a greater impact on our residents than safe drinking water and the protection of our water system,” said Mayor Steve Pellegrini. “Staff brought forward rate increases that are below the current rate of inflation and will still allow us to continue to offer the safe and reliable services our residents depend on.”
The township’s water rates consist of fixed and variable components: a base rate to cover fixed costs and a variable rate based on water consumption. King’s water rates are tiered in terms of consumption to encourage water conservation and most King homeowners fall within the lowest tier.
King Township and York Region work together to operate different aspects of King’s water and wastewater services. The Township is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the local water distribution and sewage collection systems in King City, Nobleton, Schomberg and Ansnorveldt. York Region is responsible for bulk water supply and delivery, as well as wastewater treatment. The cost from York Region represents 72% of the water and wastewater variable rates while 28% goes to King for the daily operations and replacement of infrastructure assets.
To learn why water and wastewater charges exist, what they consist of, and how they are distributed and billed, view the informational video on King’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@kingtownship1354.
Homeowners who have their water supplied by a well are responsible for maintaining and monitoring their well, and regularly testing their water for bacteria. Free well water testing kits can be picked up at the King Township Municipal Centre at 2585 King Road.
For more information about the 2024 water and wastewater budget, visit king.ca/budget.
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Media Contact(s)
Township of King
Andrea Gyarmati, Manager of Communications and Public Engagement
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-5321 | Email: media@king.ca