Utilities

The District has adopted a user pay philosophy as it relates to water consumption and municipal sewer costs.  Charges are based on meter readings, which are read and billed every four months.

Water Rates:

Virtually all properties in the District have water meters.  Water is measured in “units”; one unit is equal to 623 gallons or 2,832 litres.  The rates approved by Municipal Council for 2011 are $1.96 per unit in addition to a basic charge of $157.32 per year ($0.4310 per day).

These rates apply to all properties except those that have more than two apartments.  For those with more than two apartments, the basic charge is $78.66 per year ($0.2155 per day) multiplied by the number of apartments; the consumption charge remains the same.

When there is a change in ownership or occupancy and a special meter reading is requested, a charge of $30.00 will be added to the next utility bill.

Sewer Rates:

The sewer charges on the utility bill are used to recover a portion of the municipal costs to run the sewer system and a portion of the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) sewer debt cost and sewer treatment plant operating cost.  The CRD sewer debt costs are for debt incurred after 2006 for sewer work relating to Oak Bay.  The 2011 municipal sewer user rate is $0.8860 per unit of water used and the CRD sewer debt user rate is $.6773 per unit. 

These rates are applied to 100% of the water used by properties that are not residential, have mixed use, or have two water meters.  In the last case, there are no sewer charges for the water that is used through the garden meter.  For all other residential properties, the charges are calculated on 60% of the water consumed.

Utilities Payment

Utility bills may be paid by cash, cheque or bank debit card at the Municipal Hall, or by electronic transfer by telephone if you deal with a financial institution that supports this type of bill payment.  Check with your financial institution for further details if you wish to use the last option.  The District also offers a direct debit service whereby the outstanding balance is directly paid on the due date. 

If you are interested in this plan, please click here: Automatic Debit Program Form . For more information about the direct debit option please contact the Utility Clerk at 250-598-3311.