Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.
Skip to Content
Town of Parry Sound Logo Close menu icon

Water and Sewer

Decrease Text Size Default Text Size Increase Text Size
| Print Link
|

Water

Public Notice

Notice of the consideration of a change to Water & Wastewater Rates effective for water billed beginning February 1st, 2021 (Water and Wastewater Rates)

Take Notice that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound is considering new Water and Wastewater Rates and the approval of the Final Water & Wastewater Rate Study.  The amended by-law will be on the agenda for Council disposition for the Regular meeting of Council on January 19th, 2021. 

There are varying impacts per customer type in year one to create a uniform variable rate for both residential and non-residential customers and after 2021, the average impact for all residential and small non-residential users will be $2.92 per month.  The average non-residential bill will increase $9.08 per month and high-volume non-residential $224.67 monthly.

Comments can be provided to Stephanie Phillips, Director of Finance/Treasurer, at the address below, no later than 4:30 p.m. January 12th, 2021.

Dated at Parry Sound this 17th day of December, 2020

Stephanie Phillips, Director of Finance/Treasurer

Town of Parry Sound, 52 Seguin Street, Parry Sound, Ontario, P2A 1B4

Telephone #705-746-2101 X226

sphillips@townofparrysound.com

 

What do water and wastewater charges cover the cost of?
  • ensuring a safe, clean and reliable water supply
  • proper wastewater treatment
  • maintaining, replacing and building new infrastructure as required for sustainability of the system
 

What are the monthly base charges proposed?
  • These charges cover the cost to have the service available, like the delivery cost on your other non-municipal utilities.  It includes the cost to build and maintain the service that does not change whether you use the water or not.
  • The newly proposed base charges are based on a similar ideology to the Water and Sewer Capital Charges previously imposed.
  • If a water shut off is requested, the monthly base charge is still imposed to cover the cost of having safe, clean and reliable water and proper wastewater treatment available.
 

What are the characteristics of the Town’s original pricing structure (pre-2021)?
  •  Different consumptive charges based on whether you are commercial or residential
  • Different capital charges per meter size based on whether you are commercial or residential
  • Minimum gallons allowed differed based on meter size and whether it is a commercial or residential customer
  • Did not allow metered customers to benefit from consumption less that 1,000 gallons per month with a fixed consumptive charge in place
 

What are the advantages of a change via the proposed pricing structure?
  • The removal of a minimum gallons incentivizes conservation which assists to keep future rates as low as possible.  When we use less water, there is less wear and tear on the infrastructure, maintenance costs are lower, the equipment lasts longer, and expensive upgrades can be delayed.
  • It removes the variation between residential users and commercial users by charging the same base charge by meter size and the same consumptive rate for all users.  The billing result is more equitable since the cost per gallon of water does not change whether you are a residential or non-residential customer.
  • The resulting structure is much simpler to administer and understand with the removal of the minimum gallons allowed as well as the fixed consumptive portion of the structure.
  • It allows metered customers with low volume consumption to benefit from conservation for the variable portion of the charge when usage is below 1,000 gallons per month
  • Unmetered flat rate customers would still be required to turn off water service to change their rate to the base charge only instead of the full rate.
 

What is the year-one impact of implementing a more equitable structure to different customer types?
  • Small Residential = $0.01 less per month
  • Average Metered Residential = $9.00 more per month
  • Average Flat Rate Residential = $4.58 more per month
  • Small Non-Residential = $7.83 more per month
  • Average Non-Residential = $17.33 less per month
  • High Volume Non-Residential = $0 difference

After 2021, what can we expect the increases to be?
  •  Small Residential = $2.92 monthly
  • Average Metered Residential = $2.92 monthly
  • Average Flat Rate Residential = $2.92 monthly
  • Small Non-Residential = $2.92 monthly
  • Average Non-Residential = $9.08 monthly
  • High Volume Non-Residential = $224.67 monthly

 

Water

The Town looks after the water mains and service lines from the road to the property line only unless there is a registered easement crossing private property. You are responsible for the water line between your house and the property line. If you suspect a water leak at your home, please contact a plumber. Staff does not perform work on private property.

If you see water bubbling up on a street it could mean we have a water line break. Please call the Public Works Department (705-746-2101) immediately or if after hours please call 705-773-8207.

Hydrant Flushing

The water distribution system is flushed each spring and fall as part of our maintenance schedule. You may notice low or no water pressure. If your water appears cloudy, continue running your water until it runs clear. If you have any questions about this program, please contact the Public Works Department.

Sanitary Sewers

The Town looks after the sewer mains and service lines from the road to the property line only unless there is a registered easement crossing private property. You are responsible for the sewer lateral between your house and the property line.

If you have water or sewage backing up in your drains, please call the Public Works Department (705-746-2101) or if after hours please call 705-773-8958. Staff will check the sewer main on the street to see if it is running free. If the main is not blocked you will be advised to call a plumber. Staff does not perform work on private property.

See also:

Storm Sewers

Culverts, ditches and gutters help to direct storm water and spring water run-off away from our roads and properties and into the catch basins. Sometimes these outlets will get plugged with debris such as dirt and leaves. Staff routinely check and clean them out especially before spring run-off occurs or before a predicted rain event.

If you see a plugged culvert, ditch or catch basin, please contact the Public Works Department at 705-746-2101 or Report A Problem. After hour emergencies can be reported to 705-746-1404. 

Feedback