http://www.cranbrook.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=547:water-meter-referendum-informational-open-house-october-27-2011&catid=29:whats-new&Itemid=474
It appears there are many alternative approaches to the introduction of water meters. It is a shame that there was no citizen input on how this future necessity might have been achieved. It will be difficult to bring this issue back in the near future unless citizens and Council get creative in their approach.
To see what other communities are doing it may be worth looking at Surrey’s program. There are 45,000 households in Surrey who have water meters. 27,000 of those meters were installed voluntarily. The water meters are provided free of charge in Surrey although the cost must be included somehere in the city’s budgeting.
Tomorrow October 27th is also the day of the first ADVANCE poll at the Senior's Hall!
http://www.surrey.ca/city-government/3584.aspx
Delta and Richmond both have voluntary programs
http://www.corp.delta.bc.ca/EN/main/residents/930/water_meter.htm
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This information is taken directly from the Richmond webpage:
About the Program
Why does Richmond have a Voluntary Water Meter Program?
In the face of rising water rates, Richmond residents wanted a more equitable way of paying for their water use. In response to these requests, the City of Richmond and Neptune Technology Group Canada developed the community-based Volunteer Water Meter Program.
How much should you expect to save with a water meter?
Without a water meter, you will pay $953 for water and sewer in 2011.
Environment Canada stated in 2007 that the average Canadian with a water meter uses 266 L/day. Using water saving devices also reduces water consumption by 8%. The 2011 metered rate for both water and sewer is $1.87/m3. The table above was developed using this information and includes the $10 quarterly meter maintenance fee.
Although Prince George made water meters compulsory on new homes they too have introduced a voluntary program.
Prince George, BC, Canada --- (METERING.COM) --- December 27, 2007 - Water meters will be compulsory for new dwellings developed in the City of Prince George effective January 1, 2008, the City government has decided.
According to the City, providing homes in new subdivisions with meters and water-conservation devices means extending the life of existing water facilities and delaying future costs for improvements.
Water metering has been under discussion since 2004 and at that time it was found that to install a water meter on every home would cost $8.7 million while saving only $6.4 million over 30 years in operations, maintenance and deferred capital costs. Thus the concept was considered as becoming effective only if the Ottawa and Victoria provincial and federal governments assisted with the costs.
Under the current flat rate system, homeowner pays a fixed amount for water ($202.32 per year), regardless of the amount used. While Prince George has a plentiful water supply, residents are among the heaviest water users in Canada, particularly during hot, dry spells when consumption can exceed the average 504 l per person.
As part of its water conservation efforts, to increase awareness on the use of water and encourage its conservation, the City introduced a voluntary water metering program in July 2005. Participants are billed at the flat rate for the first year and thereafter based on usage.
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