Halifax’s mayor is urging the city’s water utility to let the voices of concerned residents be at the centre of a decision to hike water rates.
In a letter written to Halifax Water, Monday, Andy Fillmore says he has heard from thousands over the proposed 36.6 per cent spike, who have major reservations about the impact this will have.
“Families that are already stretched to the limit, as seniors on fixed incomes, renters concerned about further escalating rents, small business owners already facing very tight margins and community organizations that already struggle to meet the needs of the people they serve,” says Fillmore.
“The scale and impact of this proposed hike is clearly scary to them.”
The rate hike, if approved, would be implemented by April 1, 2026.
Fillmore says, this should receive the highest level of scrutiny possible, and every effort should be made to limit the amount of any increase.
He adds, the Rental Housing Providers of Nova Scotia has suggested a rate increase of 5 per cent, every year, over the next five years.
He says that idea should be brought forward at the NSRAB hearing.
“A rate increase of this magnitude is more than a technical adjustment; it represents a significant financial burden for thousands of households and small businesses already struggling with affordability pressures,” says Fillmore.
“Affordable, safe and reliable water service is a public necessity, not a luxury.”
