The city’s 2025 water and wastewater operating budget has been approved by council.
The $27.5 million budget is up $1.3 million from last year.
It means the average North Bay household using 14 to 20 cubic meters of water each month, will see a monthly increase of between $3.05 and $5.93.
“This year’s budget is about maintaining and improving our water and wastewater systems while continuing to make the way we bill fairer,” says Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield. “By basing more of the charges on usage, we’re giving residents more control over their bills while also promoting responsible water use.”
Officials say the fixed/variable rate structure is also changing from 40% fixed and 55% variable to 40% fixed and 60% variable in 2025.
The variable portion depends on how much water is used. The fixed portion of the water bill, based on meter size, stays the same no matter how much water is used.
The city says most of the budget increase (3.38%) is going toward maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure like water mains and treatment facilities. The rest covers rising operational costs, including higher prices for fuel, utilities, and chemicals.
