City Council Approves 2021 Rate Budget

HAMILTON, ON - During today’s City Council meeting, Council approved the City of Hamilton 2021 Water, Wastewater / Storm water Rate Budget.

The approved 2021 Water, Wastewater / Storm water Rate Budget results in a combined rate increase of 4.28 per cent effective January 1, 2021. The average resident’s bill in 2021 will be $785 for a household consuming 200 cubic metres of water annually, representing an increase of $32.20 annually.

Hamilton has one of the oldest and most complex water and wastewater systems in Ontario. This investment will improve our ability to protect the environment and deliver on our commitments respecting harbour clean up, incorporate a greater focus on climate change into Hamilton Water’s operations, allow for the removal and responsible disposal of contaminated soils from Kenilworth Reservoir, and support efforts to improve water quality in Chedoke Creek and Cootes Paradise.

Additionally, as in the previous 2020 Rate Budget, this investment will continue to enable the homeowner assistance programs related to sewer lateral repair, basement flood prevention and lead service line replacement while supporting Hamilton’s ongoing efforts to address the infrastructure deficit and work toward a sustainable level of funding for this critical system. This rate increase reflects a prudent investment for present and future generations, while balancing residents’ ability to pay.

Hamilton’s water rates are the second lowest in the province of comparator communities.