News & Announcements
Q&A - Proposed Water Rate Increase
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The Municipality of the County of Richmond - Q & A - Proposed Water Rate Increase
Q: Why is the municipality proposing a water rate increase?
A: The municipality last completed a water rate study in 2016, with the last water rate increase occurring on April 1, 2018. However, due to various factors, the utility delayed moving forward with a new rate study and proposed increases. The utility has been drawing from its accumulated surplus to cover revenue shortfalls over expenses. However, this surplus has significantly diminished, necessitating new rates to avoid ongoing losses within the utility.
Q: What are the reasons behind the need for these proposed rate increases?
A: Several factors contribute to the need for proposed rate increases, including:
- Increased operating costs due to treatment upgrades to meet regulatory requirements.
- Inflationary cost pressures affecting the cost of chemicals, parts, laboratory services, fuel, electricity, and labour.
- Rising capital and operating costs to maintain aging infrastructure.
- Budgeted capital expenditures of approximately $1.25 million from 2024/25 to 2026/27, including work for the renewal of aging infrastructure and necessary treatment upgrades.
- Increased depreciation expenses related to new or upgraded infrastructure, such as the Louisdale / Evanston / Whiteside Water Treatment Plant completed in 2019 and upgrades to the Arichat Water Treatment Plant in 2020/2021.
Q: How were the proposed increases determined?
A: Unlike increases to other municipal services, water rate increases must undergo a rigorous process. The Water Utility, which operates separately from regular municipal operations, requires approval from the NSUARB (Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board). To support the application for increases, a rate study must be performed. The recent rate study concluded in January 2024 highlighted that current rates were insufficient to cover costs, resulting in significant operating deficits in recent years.
Q: What are the financial implications of not increasing rates?
A: Operating deficits have been incurred in recent years, resulting in a steady erosion of the utility's surplus. If current rates are maintained, it is projected that the reserve will be depleted by fiscal year 2025/26 and the Utility will be unable to cover its operating expenses. Depleting reserves would also leave the utility financially vulnerable and unable to fund necessary infrastructure projects in the future.
Q: What are the proposed rates for residential water usage?
A: The proposed rates are based on projected revenue and costs to the utility. For an average residential water consumption of 31 cubic meters, the quarterly bills would increase gradually over the next few years. While these increases may pose challenges, they are essential to cover the operating costs of the utility and address infrastructure deficits and ensure the long-term sustainability of water services in our communities.
The proposed rates for residential water usage are as follows:
|
Consumption Rate (per cubic meter): • Present: $1.67 • 2024-25: $1.76 • 2025-26: $2.03 • 2026-27: $2.23 |
Base Charge for Residential 5/8” Meter (per quarter): • Present: $38.31 • 2024-25: $49.25 • 2025-26: $56.45 • 2026-27: $61.09 |
Q: How will these proposed rates impact residential water bills?
A: Using a residential 5/8” water meter with an average consumption of approximately 31 cubic meters per quarter, the impact on total water billing, including the proposed consumption rates and base charges, is as follows:
Quarterly Water Bill – 5/8” Residential Meter @ ~31m3 / quarter:
- Present: $90.71
- 2024-25: $104.58
- 2025-26: $119.54
- 2026-27: $129.89
Q: How do the proposed rates compare to other utilities in the Province?
A: Average residential bills are expected to remain at or below the Provincial average.
Q: How can residents provide feedback on the proposed increases?
A: The NSUARB holds Public Hearings to allow residents an opportunity to provide feedback and comments. The Hearing is scheduled for May 29 at 1 pm at the Municipal Office. Residents wishing to speak at the hearing must advise the NSUARB by Friday, May 17. Additionally, written comments can be submitted by sending a letter to the Clerk of the NSUARB.
Mail: Clerk of the Board, P.O. Box 1692, Unit “M”, Halifax, NS B3J 3S3.
Email: .
By Fax: 902-424-3919.
Further details, including the Notice of Public Hearing, can be found on the NSUARB website, visit: M11583 - Notice of Hearing.pdf (novascotia.ca).
Resources
pdf Richmond Water Rate Study(815 KB)
pdf NSURAB Public Hearing Notice(108 KB)
Call for Applications - Police Advisory Board (Provincial Appointee)
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Call for Applications - Police Advisory Board (Provincial Appointee)
Police Advisory Board (Provincial Appointee)
The Municipality of the County of Richmond has a vacancy on the Police Advisory Board to be filled by a Provincial Appointment.
Applications are now open. The deadline for adjudicative applications is May 22, 2024. To learn more and apply, visit novascotia.ca/abc or call 1-866-206-6844 (toll free).
Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABC's)
pdf Full list of vancancies.(93 KB)
Posters
Celebrating Heritage: Municipal Heritage Plaques Honour Historic Landmarks
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Celebrating Heritage: Municipal Heritage Plaques Honour Historic Landmarks
During last night's Committee of the Whole meeting, Richmond Municipal Council recognized two municipal heritage landmarks: St. John’s Anglican Church in Arichat and St. Patrick’s Church in Whiteside, by presenting municipal heritage plaques.
St. John’s Anglican Church, founded in 1828, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and community. Rebuilt in 1895 to replace the original structure, the church underwent a remarkable transformation in recent years. After being deconsecrated in 2014, it remained silent and vacant until the Friends of St. John's Arichat Society stepped in. Their dedication and vision sparked a revival, leading to the transformation of this historical gem into the St. John's Centre for the Arts in 2018.Now, under the stewardship of the Society, this cultural hub not only preserves the architectural heritage of the former church but also provides a space for artistic expression and community engagement.
Similarly, in Whiteside, St. Patrick’s Church has been a cornerstone of the community since its founding in 1865. Despite facing adversity, including a devastating fire that led to the construction of the current building in 1919, the church has remained a beacon of faith and cultural significance. Situated along the picturesque waterfront, it holds a special place in the hearts of residents not only in Whiteside but also in neighboring communities such as Walkerville, Evanston, and Lower River.
These plaques signify the importance of preserving heritage, which is essential for upholding our history, nurturing our sense of identity, and promoting cultural appreciation. Heritage preservation establishes a link to our past, sparks creativity, and strenghens community ties. By protecting landmarks and traditions, we honor the legacy of our ancestors and enrich the cultural landscape for future generations.
For More Information
For more information about the Friends of St. John’s Arichat Society and the St. Patrick’s Church Preservation Society, visit their respective websites. (Friends of St. John’s , St. Patrick’s Church Preservation Society)
Photos
Top Left (listed left to right): Warden Amanda Mombourquette, Marg Herman, Phylis Frost, Cameron Frost, Jason Landgon, Deputy Warden Shawn Samson
Top Right (listed left to right): Warden Amanda Mombourquette, Brenda White, Councillor Melanie Sampson
Bottom Left: Oval plaque with the words Registered Heritage Property, St. John’s Anglican Church, Built in 1895, Municipality of the County of Richmond
Bottom Right: Oval plaque with the words Registered Heritage Property, St. Patrick's Church, Built in 1919, Municipality of the County of Richmond
Accessibility First Voice Experts Roster
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The Accessibility Directorate is pleased to launch the Accessibility First Voice Experts roster, and ask that you share this opportunity with your organization and networks.
Nova Scotians with disabilities are invited to sign up to provide their advice on accessibility projects, such as awareness activities, training and educational materials, and policy and program development.
Over the past few years, Nova Scotians with disabilities have provided advice on development of the Introduction to Disability and Introduction to Accessibility Barriers and Solutions webinars, among other projects. The Accessibility Directorate is interested in opening the opportunity to provide lived experience advice so any Nova Scotian with a disability can participate.
Nova Scotians with disabilities can sign up on the Access includes Everyone website. The sign up form includes a variety of questions, such as where the individual lives, age, gender, disability type, etc. These questions help to ensure a wide variety of perspectives are included in our work.
After signing up, individuals will receive invitations to participate in projects as they arise (depending on the number of projects underway). Honouraria will be provided for providing advice on projects, the amount will vary depending on the project and time involved.
We recognize and appreciate the lived experience and expertise of Nova Scotians with disabilities, and the importance of providing financial compensation for providing advice on these projects.
Please share this opportunity with your organization and networks, and print and display the attached poster or include this opportunity in your newsletter or other materials.
Please contact if you have any questions.
Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate
Department of Justice
Phone: 902-424-8280
Website: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/
Email: