Halifax Water applies for 28 per cent rate hike
Posted Jan 10, 2013 08:05:59 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Halifax residents could be paying more for their water if the utility is granted a rate increase for this year and next.
The Halifax Water Commission has applied to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board for a rate increase of 11.3 per cent to come into effect in July, plus a 16.7 per cent hike for April 2014.
Together, the hikes will cost the average resident an extra $189.12 annually.
“It’s outrageous,” said one man outside a North End Halifax coffee shop. “Water is expensive and people have to have water for dishes and clothes and body wash.”
Speaking to people on the street, some said they can’t afford the increase, but most people commented on how the hike will affect the working poor and low-income earners.
“I don’t think it’s justified,” said Harold, a Salvation Army employee. “The government is over-taxing the working poor. A one-income family can’t make it on their own anymore unless they’ve got a high-paying income.”
Residents said the added expense will dip into their grocery, transportation and entertainment budget.
“Two hundred (dollars) is a little much for people making minimum wage,” said one man. “For people living on tips, it’s going to be hard on them.”
Halifax Water is linking the hike to an increase in costs for electricity, chemicals and wages.
The utility has also been planning upgrades to its facilities, to come in line with federal envrionemtnal regulations.
