Town Reduces 2020 Water Billing Rates

In an effort to help residents coping with the financial burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic, Whitchurch-Stouffville Council has reduced 2020 water and wastewater billing rates.

At the April 21 meeting, Council reduced the water rate increase to 5% above the 2019 charge of $2.0786 per cubic meter, and the wastewater rate to 10% above last year’s charge of $2.7254 per cubic meter. Together, residents will see a 7% decrease in the rates reflected on their next bill.

“Because of the financial burdens that residents are facing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to take further steps to help relieve the hardships many are experiencing,” said Whitchurch-Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt. “We certainly understand that individuals and families are going through some tough times right now, and we want to do all we can to help alleviate those struggles.”

The new rates, effective immediately, are $2.1825/m3 for water, and $2.9979/m3 for wastewater (sewer). These rates will remain in effect until the end of the year when Council will review the rates as part of the 2021 budget. The new rates are prorated back to March 15, 2020 and a credit will be reflected on residents’ next water/wastewater bill.

In March, Whitchurch-Stouffville Council approved the waiving of interest and penalties on the most recent water/wastewater bills until May 29.

If residents have any questions about their water/wastewater account, they can visit townofws.ca/waterbills or contact the Revenue and Taxation Division, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at 905-640-1910 ext. 2331 or 2242 or email water@townofws.ca.