Cobourg’s Water Rates Will Rise

In City Hall

Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
A rise in water and wastewater rates should amount to less then $2 a month for the average household, Lakefront Utility Services Inc. president and chief executive officer Dereck Paul said at this week’s committee-of-the-whole meeting of Cobourg council.
The increase sought amounts to 4% on the base charge and a 9% increase on consumption charges.
As for the cost to householders, manager of regulatory compliance and finance Adam Giddings said, it depends on individual usage and conservation efforts.
The presentation by Paul and Giddings explained some of the considerations behind the recommendation, such as a 2% wage increase ad capital-replacement costs on the horizon estimated at $20-million over the next six years.
As an example, Paul noted that of Cobourg’s 139 km. of watermains, about 35 km. are cast in iron and about 70 years old – one reason they can expect perhaps a dozen watermain breaks per year. Still, he said, this compares favourably with the Toronto average of more than 1,100 annually.
There are also $30-million in capital projects forecast over the next decade.
As well, Paul noted, “Emergencies happen, and we have to have contingency funds in place.
“We have a responsibility to ensure rates are fair and equitable for all users, which doesn’t necessarily mean low.”

Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Ontario Taking Next Step to Widen Highway 401 in Oshawa

(Today's Northumberland file photo) Province replacing two overpasses to accommodate future 10-lane highway that will reduce gridlock and get drivers

Read More...

Ontario Supporting Long-Term Care Residents with Complex Needs

$35 million Local Priorities Fund invests in specialized equipment and innovative programs The Ontario government is investing $35 million to

Read More...

Video – Silver Cross Mother and Volunteers Clean Up the Highway of Heroes on Canada Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdW2h3vW3v0 The sixth annual Environmental Clean in Memory of Craftsman Kyle Sinclair took place on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu