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Starting in 2023, the cost of providing Stormwater Infrastructure was changed from a recovery via taxes to a fee on Electricity/Water bills by Lakefront Utility Services Inc. (LUSI).  The initial formula was not fair to some residents and properties so it was therefore changed. After considerable public debate, by-law 065-2024 sets out fees that are charged. The new rates are effective on the February 2025 bills.

Stormwater Charge Rates

Table 1: Flat Rate for All Property Types

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
$84.40   $87.35   $93.40   $99.86   $106.52 

 

2028 2029 2030 2031 2032
$113.64 $121.27 $124.44 $127.72 $131.25


Table 2: Additional Rate for Commercial, Institutional and Industrial Property Types Over 0.040469 Hectares*

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
$2,030.91 $2,102.00 $2,259.40 $2,428.44 $2,619.43

 

2028 2029 2030 2031 2032
$2,824.98 $3,046.22 $3,157.60 $3,272.61 $3,385.55

*Table 2 rates are in addition to flat rates noted in Table 1

To be clear, here are the rates for 2025 and the adjustments required to back date the change.

Rates for 2025

Property Type Billing Rates Per Month
Residential and Vacant Land
(including cemeteries)
$7.78 per month ($93.40/year)
Industrial/ Commercial/ Institutional
up to 1 Acre (0.40469 ha) in size
$7.78 per month ($93.40/year)
Industrial/ Commercial/ Institutional
greater than 1 Acre (0.40469 ha) in size
$7.78 + $188.28/hectare per month

There are no additional charges for residential or vacant land that are above one acre in size.

Impact of Change

The previous formula was based on the kind of property – e.g. condos were charged less than bungalows but now, all residential properties will be charged the same. Some residents will see an increase and some a decrease. These adjustments will be made during the 2025 billing cycle. 

2023/2024 Stormwater Billing Adjustment: Property owners who paid less than the revised 2023/2024 rates will be invoiced for these additional fees in 2025. Properties owing more than $45 will have this adjustment spread out over the 12 months of billing for 2025.  This applies in my case since the charge for my Townhouse was $1.99 per month.

But in some cases, it’s a substantial decrease and some refunds are required as follows:

Refunds and Credits
Property owners who paid a higher amount in stormwater charges in 2023 and 2024 compared to the revised rates will receive a credit. As per Council’s direction, refunds will be issued only for those who are owed over $300. All others will receive a credit on their bill that will be applied to stormwater charges only.

Throughout 2025, Lakefront Utility Services Inc. will be making necessary adjustments to customer accounts and issuing cheques as required. Those who have set-up pre-authorized payments will receive a refund directly to their bank account while all others will receive a cheque.

Interest Charges Resume in 2026
There will be no interest charges applied for outstanding stormwater management balances until January 2026.

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