A price hike is sought for work by Toronto Water and Solid Waste Management.
And a Happy New Year to fellow Toronto residents.
We can all be digging in deeper in fees and rates come January 1 to fund some City services.
New fees and rates are being considered for water and solid waste management services as early as January 1, according to a City report.
City staff have recommended a 3.75 per cent increase to Toronto Water and Solid Waste Management Services (SWMS), which will mean hundreds of dollars more from our pockets.
The proposed rates and fees will be considered by the Executive Committee on December 10 and then by City Council during its meeting from December 17 to 19.
The City said the proposed increases will support the delivery of services such as waste management and water treatment while funding ongoing projects to build and maintain the infrastructure needed to deliver these services.
The fees for SWMS are used for residential garbage collection, organics, oversized and metal items and electronics. They also fund city-wide litter collection, Community Environment Days, street and parks bin collection, drop-off-depots and the ongoing care of closed landfills.
If the increase is approved, it will see a jump from $295 to $306 for a small single-family bin; a medium bin will rise to $372 and $586 for an extra-large bin, which is a rise of $19.
Clean water and sewage are important work conducted by City staff and like everything we have to pay more to upkeep.
The report said an average Toronto household using 230 cubic metres of water per year, the 3.75 per cent increase equates to an increase of $39 yearly, for a total annual cost of $1,078 in 2025.
Toronto Water delivers safe drinking water, treats wastewater and manages storm-water while investing in infrastructure renewal and development to address growth, aging systems and climate change impacts.
The City invites residents and businesses to provide feedback on these proposed rates and associated service levels. Individuals can register to speak at the Executive Committee meeting by calling 416-392-7033 before 4:30 p.m. on December 9. Written submissions can be emailed to exc@toronto.ca
The City offers relief programs to provide rebates on water and solid waste charges for eligible low-income seniors and people living with a disability. More information about these programs is available on the City’s website.
You can view the City’s Notice of Price increase
https://www.toronto.ca/news/city-of-toronto-proposes-2025-rates-and-fees-for-waste-and-water/#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20City%20of%20Toronto,effect%20on%20January%201%2C%202025.