Saanich Shifts Water Rates to Fixed Fees to Stabilize Budgets

The District of Saanich has announced a significant change to its water billing structure, moving towards a system that emphasizes fixed fees. This adjustment aims to stabilize the district’s budget and mitigate the risk of future deficits. As part of a broader strategy approved by the council in 2024, Saanich will apply recent increases in water and sewer rates to a fixed portion of residents’ utility bills, while keeping consumption charges unchanged.

Historically, Saanich has maintained a 90:10 split between usage fees and fixed charges. The council’s new approach seeks to transition to a more balanced 50/50 model, similar to those used by many municipalities. This shift is expected to unfold over the next seven to ten years, with further steps anticipated in 2026.

The changes come in response to rising operational costs and increased regional fees. The Capital Regional District (CRD) has announced a 7.91 percent increase in bulk water rates starting in 2026, which will contribute an additional $880,000 to Saanich’s water budget. This financial pressure necessitated a reevaluation of the existing rate structure to ensure fiscal sustainability.

For the majority of households, the adjustment to fixed water charges will be modest. Over 90 percent of residents can expect their monthly fixed charge to increase by less than $6.50. Additionally, sewer fees are projected to rise, with the average homeowner facing an increase of approximately $7.31 per month.

Saanich also anticipates slight increases in solid waste fees. For households with both garbage and organics carts, proposed charges for 2026 could add around $6 more per trimester bill. This adjustment is reflective of rising costs associated with the CRD Hartland landfill, which will see disposal fees increase from $135 to $142.50 per tonne, alongside heightened compost hauling and processing expenses.

As these changes are set to be discussed, the proposed utility rates for 2026 will be presented to the council for approval as part of the annual budget process. This proactive measure by the District of Saanich aims to create a more predictable financial environment for both the municipality and its residents, ensuring that the community can sustainably manage its water resources moving forward.