After a difficult 2020, water and sewer rates are going up in the Village of Point Edward.
A two per cent increase as well as an eight per cent hike in service charges have been approved for 2021. There's also an increase of seven cents per cubic metre in reserve fees for a total of 33 cents per cubic metre.
The average bill will be $75.18, up $3.66 per month.
Environmental Services Committee Chairperson, Tim Mondoux said Point Edward will still have some of the lowest rates in Lambton County.
"2020 was a very difficult year for the water and wastewater system in the Village of Point Edward," said Mondoux in a statement. "These increases are necessary in order to continue moving the system to a point of self-sustainability."
Mayor Bev Hand said overall water usage was down significantly in 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic on hotels and the casino, and similar impacts are expected in 2021.
The increase in service fees allows the village to negotiate with Bluewater Power to offer monthly billing for customers. Residents will receive their water invoice with their electricity bill and will only have one bill to pay instead of two.