By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Cobourg council was clearly unhappy at Wednesday’s meeting with the 8.8% base rate increase for water in 2026 proposed by Lakefront Utility Services Inc.
They were equally intrigued by changes Mayor Lucas Cleveland hinted at in the new year, due to “the changing scope of provincial legislation,” as he refused support.
LUSI Chief Executive Offier Dereck Paul clarified that the 2025 study on which the recommended rate increase is based is typical of ones the town does every five years, “one of the requirements for us to provide a financial plan.”
The increase should amount to an annual increase of $20.48 yearly, or $1.70 monthly.
Should it be refused, Paul said, there would be a $500,000 deficit in the LUSI budget, as well as the potential to be less effective in terms of being looked upon favourably for grants (such as the one that recently supported the new water tower on D’Arcy Street).
Cleveland insisted that this level of increase is not sustainable long-term, and he’d like to hold off approval until he can look at those different options.
“I think what this council is struggling with is no different from any other council in the entire province,” Paul said.
And had they been in a deficit position, he added, the chances of getting grants for that water tower would have been slim.
Councillor Brian Darling referred fellow councillors to their duty to the safety of taxpayers in ensuring a safe water system, as well as the risk of legal problems down the road.
“We don’t want a Walkerton incident ever, but I have to kind of agree with the mayor,” Councillor Adam Bureau said in supporting a look at options.
Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty asked what, exactly, those options might be.
Cleveland referred vaguely to coming provincial legislation.
“I have two meetings at Queen’s Park in the first week of January on this exact topic,” he said.
“I look forward to bringing that back to council in the new year.”
In the meantime, council voted to proceed with the 2026 increase.
