Kitimat council has given the first three readings to a bylaw amendment that would increase residential and commercial water rates, with the first phase of the changes set to take effect in July.
At its March 17 meeting, council considered Water Rates Amendment Bylaw No. 2064, 2025, which proposes raising residential water rates from the current $164 per year to $184.50 as of July 1, 2025. A further increase to $205 annually is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The bylaw also includes corresponding increases for commercial and bulk water users.
Council previously provided direction on the increases at a special meeting on Feb. 10. Under the plan, commercial and bulk water rates will rise by 25 per cent in total, with a 12.5 per cent increase on July 1, 2025, followed by another 12.5 per cent on Jan. 1, 2026.
For residential properties, the mid-year increase means the 2025 utility portion of property tax notices will reflect a $10.25 rise, with rates charged at $164 per year from January to June and at $184.50 per year from July to December.
Water fees are payable by property owners within the District of Kitimat, with residential charges included in annual tax notices. Manufactured homes and trailers in designated parks are exempt from this billing structure. Commercial properties receive separate semi-annual invoices for water use.
The bylaw will be brought back for final consideration at a future meeting. If adopted, the new rates will take effect as scheduled.
