The Region of Queens Municipality is applying to raise water rates for households in Liverpool and Brooklyn over the next three years.
At a council meeting this week, councillors voted to submit a formal application to the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board, which oversees all public water utilities in the province.
The proposed increase would see average household bills more than double in the first year (average increase of 106 percent), with smaller increases of 3.8 percent and 2.7 percent in the following years.
Mayor Scott Christian said the utility has been operating at a loss and needs to become sustainable. “The increase in water rate is reflective of the actual costs of running an aging water utility,” he said. “Council is supportive of planning for the future of Queens County residents.”
The town says it hired outside consultants to help prepare the application and rate calculations. A public hearing will be held, giving residents a chance to share their views. Details about the hearing will be posted online and at the municipal office.
A $15,000 subsidy program is also being developed to help low-income households if the rate increase is approved.
