Residential and commercial property owners in Pouce Coupe are bracing for the potential of a 10.76% increase in water service rates, set to begin in May.
The hike comes as a result of rising operational costs under the village’s third-party water supply agreement with the City of Dawson Creek.
Currently, the average household in Pouce Coupe pays $134.79 every billing period. With the proposed increase, bi-monthly bills would jump an additional $14.50, or $87 annually.
Dawson Creek, which processes Pouce Coupe’s water through its water treatment plant, raised their fees on January 1st, 2025.
Pouce Coupe’s Chief Administrative and Corporate Officer Matthew Cybulski tells CJDC-TV that the Village remains dedicated to investing in its aging critical infrastructure.
“Immediate and long-term capital activities—such as road resurfacing and repaving, service and collection line lifecycle replacement, culvert lifecycle replacement, and sewage lagoon revitalization & stabilization—are at the forefront of our planning to ensure the betterment of Pouce Coupe as a destination for both current and future residents,” said Cybulski in a statement.
To address the changes, a Public Budget Consultation Town Hall will be held next month.
The consultation will gather public feedback on long-term capital planning and explore four options related to the water service agreement increase. They include potential tax and service rate hikes, as well as the risks of maintaining the current system.
“Our aggressive funding procurement strategies, such as securing nearly $4 million from UBCM for our sewage lagoon revitalization & stabilization project, have significantly shaped our budget outlook,” said Cybulski.
The Town Hall meeting, described by Cybulski as a ‘key tool’ for engaging with residents about council activities related to the municipal budget, is set for March 5th at the Pouce Coupe Community Centre. It will be followed by a Public Hearing on April 2nd, 2025.
“Without such funding, our financial position would look very different, particularly as we navigate the ever-increasing costs of providing essential municipal services,” said Cybulski.
More information on the public consultation and service fee increase can be found on the Village of Pouce Coupe website.