2026 Water and Wastewater Budget Approved in Principle

On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Council for the Township of South Stormont approved the 2026 Water and Wastewater Budget in principle. 

The following rate increases were approved and will be brought forward for formal adoption at a Regular Council Meeting in February 2026.

The 2026 budget addresses significant cost pressures. These include aging infrastructure, high treatment and regulatory compliance costs, minimal reserve balances for major projects, and the need to reduce water loss across the system. Consumption is projected to see a slight rise in 2026 based on new service connections.

The 2026 Water and Wastewater budget includes the costs of operation of the distribution systems, as well as capital costs for necessary repairs, replacements and improvements. Costs of major improvements in association with the Ingleside Wastewater Plant and Long Sault and Ingleside Water Plant expansions are offset by a $21.9 million Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) grant received in 2025. Other capital improvements include various equipment replacements within the distribution system, Environmental Assessment costs for anticipated expansion of the Long Sault Waste Water Treatment Facility, and a bulk water filling station that will be available for public and commercial use. 

“Council is very mindful of the impact water and wastewater rates have on our residents,” said Mayor Bryan McGillis. “The 2026 budget reflects the direction set out in Council’s 2025 rate study and is designed to keep our systems reliable, compliant, and sustainable over the long term. These rates ensure that users are paying a fair price for the services they receive, while allowing the Township to plan responsibly for infrastructure renewal and future growth.”

“This budget is the result of careful planning and a disciplined approach to managing our water and wastewater systems,” said CAO David Barrick. “By following the framework established through the 2025 rate study, we are ensuring that investments are made where they deliver the greatest value - supporting safe drinking water, effective wastewater treatment, and a sustainable system that can serve South Stormont well into the future.”

As part of the budget discussion, administration was directed to prepare a report to consider transitioning from quarterly water and wastewater billing to bi-monthly billing. Bi-monthly billing would result in smaller, more predictable bills for users while also allowing for earlier identification of abnormal consumption and leak detection, limiting unanticipated costs for unknown leaks. A report for consideration will be presented at a future Council Meeting. 

Water and wastewater services are funded entirely by user rates. Fees are set to cover anticipated operating and capital expenditures. The Township continues to monitor growth, consumption, and operating costs while advancing capital projects and seeking external funding where possible.