Region of Queens approves low-income water rebate

The Region of Queens is asking for hefty water rate hikes. (Rick Conrad)

Some municipal water customers in Liverpool and Brooklyn will get a break on their bills.

Region of Queens councillors recently approved the utility assistance rebate for those on low incomes.

Council created the rebate program because the 1,200 customers of the municipal water supply are expected to see a huge increase.

The Region of Queens Water Utility is asking provincial regulators for a 106 per cent increase to water bills. That’s to address an $800,000 deficit.

Under the rebate program, the region will give up to a $200 credit on the applicant’s utility account.

That is expected to cover just over half (58 per cent) of the expected $342 annual increase in people’s water bills. If someone gets the full rebate, they would still be paying about 50 per cent more than they do now, or about $472 annually.

Mayor Scott Christian said he was impressed with council, given that they’re asking customers for such a hefty increase.

“And so I’m proud, I’m proud of this piece of work, and I thank the staff for your efforts in helping us with our vision to get to a place where we can feel good about the fact that these water rates are going to impact a lot of our residents.”

If the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board grants the region’s request, most people’s annual bills will rise to $672.

The provincial regulator will hold a public hearing at council chambers on Wed., Nov. 19 at 10:30 a.m. Residents can speak at the hearing, but they must notify the board by Nov. 14. Written comments can be sent by email to board@novascotia.ca or by sending a letter to the Clerk of the Board at P.O. Box 1692, Unit “M”, Halifax, NS B3J 3S3 by Nov. 14.

Councillors approved $15,000 in this year’s budget to pay for the rebate. If more money is needed for the program, staff will return to council to approve the extra spending.

The rebate took effect last Tuesday, after council’s vote. The region will publicize the rebate and tell people how to apply for it.

It is open to all water utility customers with an annual household income of $35,000 or less. 

More information on the region’s water rate application can be found here by searching for Matter Number M12363.

Email: rickconradqccr@gmail.com

Listen to the audio version of this story below