Water and sewage rate increases ranging from 0.4 per cent to 8.6 per cent have been approved in principle by South Stormont council.
“Council is very mindful of the impact water and wastewater rates have on our residents,” said Mayor Bryan McGillis. “The 2026 budget reflects the direction set out in Council’s 2025 rate study and is designed to keep our systems reliable, compliant, and sustainable over the long term. These rates ensure that users are paying a fair price for the services they receive, while allowing the Township to plan responsibly for infrastructure renewal and future growth.”
The new rates, to be brought forward for formal adoption in February, reflect a hike of 8.6 per cent in the Long Sault and Ingleside regional water rate, a 6 per cent rise in the Long Sault and Ingleside regional wastewater rate, a 6.1 per cent increase for Rosedale Terrace/St. Andrews West/Eamers Corners consumers and a 0.4 per cent rise in the Newington water rate.
Cost pressures
The 2026 budget addresses “significant cost pressures,” says the township. These include aging infrastructure, high treatment and regulatory compliance costs, minimal reserves for major projects, and the need to reduce water loss across the system. Consumption is projected to see a slight rise in 2026 based on new service connections.
Costs of major improvements in association with the Ingleside Wastewater Plant and Long Sault and Ingleside Water Plant expansions are offset by a $21.9 million Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) grant received in 2025. Other capital improvements include various equipment replacements within the distribution system, Environmental Assessment costs for anticipated expansion of the Long Sault Waste Water Treatment Facility, and a bulk water filling station that will be available for public and commercial use.
“This budget is the result of careful planning and a disciplined approach to managing our water and wastewater systems,” said CAO David Barrick. “By following the framework established through the 2025 rate study, we are ensuring that investments are made where they deliver the greatest value – supporting safe drinking water, effective wastewater treatment, and a sustainable system that can serve South Stormont well into the future.”
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