West Kelowna City Council has approved an increase in water rates effective January 1st.
The increase in rates is necessary in order to maintain and develop the current West Kelowna water network, including the construction of the Rose Valley and Power Creek Water Treatment Plants.
The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia have given the City a $41 million grant to fund the construction of the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, although an additional $17 million is needed to cover construction and related capital works.
Rates are expected to increase every January until 2021, when annual water rates will average $907. By then, all West Kelowna water rate payers will receive the same level of water and service.
Residents will first see their new rates on their April 2018 utility bills.