Saanich and Wellington implement utility rate increases

utility rate increases water service costs municipal budgeting Saanich Wellington Village

Municipalities in Saanich and Wellington are implementing utility rate increases. In Saanich, a 2024 council decision to shift the water and sewer costing model from a 90/10 to a 50/50 consumption-to-fixed ratio is driving significant cost hikes. Fixed rates for typical homes are projected to increase by 800% once the transition is complete. By 2026, fixed rates have already reached $417 annually, a 448% increase from 2024 levels.

In Wellington, the Village Council has adopted rate increases for solid waste and water services as part of a proposed $149.97 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The plan includes a $5 increase per unit for solid waste collection and an average monthly increase of $4.79 for water and wastewater services. These funds are intended to support capital improvements, including water treatment and supply projects totaling several million dollars.

Entities

Harley Machielse · Saanich · Saanich Council · Tanya Quickel · Wellington Village Council

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] In 2026, Saanich fixed rates reached $417 per year, representing a 448% increase over 2024 levels. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · goldstreamgazette.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Saanich council voted in 2024 to change the water and sewer costing model from 90/10 to 50/50 consumption/fixed ratio. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · goldstreamgazette.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Fixed rates for water and sewer in Saanich are projected to increase by 800% once the 50/50 model is fully implemented. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · goldstreamgazette.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Wellington residents may see an average monthly increase of $4.79 on water and wastewater bills. gotowncrier.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Wellington's proposed budget includes a $5 increase per unit for solid waste collection services. gotowncrier.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Wellington Village Council adopted rate increases for solid waste collection and water utility services. gotowncrier.com