Water rates could rise

By Richard Coffin

Water rates could rise 3.05 a month for average North Bay customer

The city’s $27.5 million water and wastewater budget for 2025 is up for discussion next week. 

That includes a proposed increase of 4.99%.  

Compared to 2024, it’s up $1.31 million.  

What it means for the average customer using 14 cubic metres of water a month, is a preliminary increase of 3.29%, or an added $3.05 a month.

A staff report says according to the 2023 BMA Study, North Bay ranks 4th lowest in total residential water/wastewater rate costs among the 11 northern municipalities that participated. 

Of the five major northern cities, North Bay is right in the middle, with lower annual water rates than Greater Sudbury and Thunder Bay.  

“The budget includes operational costs including personnel, goods and services, capital investments, and anticipated utility costs,” says Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield, in a social media post. “Water and wastewater rates are based on a full-cost recovery model and are calculated using the 2025 operating budget.” 

Meetings on the water and wastewater budget are scheduled for Jan. 8 and 9 (5:30 pm both days) in the Mayor’s Boardroom on the 5th floor of city hall.