Full Breakdown
North Bay's Proposed Water and Wastewater Rate Increase for 2026
11/19/2025, 4:05:47 PM
Overview of Proposed Rate Increase
North Bay residents may face an increase in water and wastewater rates in 2026, as outlined in the City’s proposed operating budget. The budget suggests a 5.27 percent increase, amounting to approximately $1.45 million, which could translate to an additional $3.58 to $4.18 per month on typical household bills. This would raise average monthly bills to between $99.27 and $121.75. The City’s water and wastewater reserves currently stand at $17.2 million, and the proposed increase aims to support infrastructure maintenance, comply with provincial standards, and address inflationary pressures.
Financial Sustainability and Long-Term Planning
The City’s 2025–2034 Water Financial Plan, developed with assistance from Hemson Consulting Ltd., indicates that North Bay's water system is expected to remain financially stable over the next decade. The plan details projected operating costs, capital needs, and reserve levels, ensuring that the municipality can manage aging infrastructure and rising costs effectively. Andrew Mirabella from Hemson Consulting emphasized the importance of transparency in planning for future expenses, stating, “The municipality has sufficient funds to carry out your system cost, operating and capital, as well as pay for your debt, while also making sure that you’re putting some money away.”
Infrastructure Needs and Capital Investments
The proposed budget includes about $824,000 earmarked for capital investments, which are crucial for ongoing maintenance and upgrades to the water treatment facilities. City staff noted that more than half of recent annual rate increases have been directed towards infrastructure improvements, including watermain rehabilitation and enhancements tied to road projects. Aging infrastructure, particularly the city's century-old pipes, has led to an increase in watermain breaks, further necessitating these investments.
Public Engagement and Future Meetings
Residents will have opportunities to voice their opinions on the proposed rate increases during a public meeting scheduled for November 26. Following this, the City Council will convene on December 9 to vote on the operating budget and rates. The current rate structure maintains a 40 percent fixed and 60 percent variable ratio, which aims to balance predictable revenue with usage-based billing that encourages conservation.
Criticism and Concerns
Some council members have raised concerns regarding the exclusion of costs related to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) remediation from the budget. Councillor Justine Mallah inquired about the remediation project, which is projected to cost $20 million, indicating that these environmental issues may require additional financial considerations in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Small actions like installing a low-flow toilet can help families lower their bills while conserving water,” — City Staff
- “They are living documents and should anything change within the plan that warrants an update … you can certainly do the update,” — Andrew Mirabella, Hemson Consulting
- “We’re getting most of them in the very old pipes—the 100-year-old ones,” — City Council Member
This proposed increase in water and wastewater rates reflects North Bay's commitment to maintaining its infrastructure while addressing financial sustainability and environmental concerns.
