Winnipeg homeowners experiencing an increase in their water bills
Reworked Article:
Bernie Lemanski isn't much for watering his tiny lawn, and honestly, he doesn't need to with his water-saving brother living under the same roof.
"The only time we really use a decent amount of water is for the dishwasher, laundry, and a shower," Lemanski shared.
So, imagine his sticker shock when he received his latest water bill from the City of Winnipeg.
"I was absolutely flabbergasted, in total shock. I couldn't believe it," he said.
Last quarter, his bill was a manageable $157, but this quarter? $269!
"Come on, give me a break!" Lemanski exclaimed. "What on earth are they thinking?"
And he's not alone. Social media is flooded with homeowners, including Lemanski, questioning why their bills have skyrocketed.
"I'd like to know why, why they increased it that much," he said.
Turns out, the city council approved new increases in sewer and water rates, boosting funds for the $3 billion north sewage treatment plant. There's also a new waste management fee, replacing a previous one, to cover services like garbage, recycling, green carts, yard waste, and faulty carts. This new utility model is intended to ease the burden on property tax bills.
City water and waste committee chair, Ross Eadie, acknowledges that homeowners seem to be caught off guard. "Yes, it is surprising some people," he said.
However, it could have been worse. Mayor and council members rejected a proposal to inflate water and sewer rates by a staggering $1,000 per year for a family of four.
Despite this, Lemanski and others find the approved rates tough to stomach.
"A lot of single parents are struggling on their own with a fixed income, and they can't handle this kind of increase," he said.
The increase in rates is part of the city's larger financial strategy, addressing budget deficits and escalating infrastructure and service costs, particularly for solid waste and sewer services[1][2][3].
- "Bernie Lemanski, alongside other homeowners, has taken to questioning the recent hike in their water bills, which are now attributed to policy-and-legislation changes such as increased sewer and water rates, and a new waste management fee, following the approval by the city council."
- "Talking about the financial implications of these changes, Ross Eadie - the city water and waste committee chair - admitted that homeowners have been surprised by these increases, but pointed out that the rejection of a more substantial hike proposal is a testament to the city's effort to ease the burden on property tax bills through the new utility model."
