Barrie residents can tap into a new city program to receive a break on their water bills if they're having trouble meeting their monthly needs during the COVID-19 health crisis.
On Wednesday night, city council approved a motion that will see payment periods for water and wastewater bills extended from 35 to 60 days for residential properties, and from 30 to 60 days for commercial properties, for the next two billing periods.
The per-household savings works out to around $65.
"Although the funding per household is small, for some this could mean a week's groceries or several bags of milk for their family," said Coun. Gary Harvey.
But Harvey says the relief on water bills could help some city residents benefit from even the slightest break as they navigate through the current health crisis.
"Through expanded closures, we've seen a dramatic increase in the volume of businesses that have closed and our streets have become somewhat of a ghost town compared to the normal volume that we're used to seeing," he said, adding this has led to more people applying for Employment Insurance (EI) and other emergency benefits due to mass layoffs.
"These are extraordinary times we'll probably never see in our lifetime again," Harvey added.
The approved motion directs staff to implement a needs-based program for residential customers, eliminating the fixed-rate charge for water and wastewater on their next bi-monthly bill through an online application form.
Customers will be required to attest to financial hardship caused by COVID-19, although it was noted by some councillors that this could create stigmatization or embarrassment for residents who are compelled to apply.
The motion also includes a requirement that landlords pass the water-bill relief on to tenants if water charges are included in their rent.
The city has more than 30,000 customers who would be eligible to apply, "however, I cannot imagine that we will even come close to that volume of applicants," Harvey said.
The revenue lost from the new program will be funded equally from the water rate stabilization reserve and the wastewater rate stabilization reserve, with a cap of $500,000. This amount will be transferred at the end of the program to the water and wastewater capital reserves.
The program will be revisited by council in a month to look at potentially increasing the total.
There was talk around the virtual council table last night about whether the breaks on water bills was the right avenue to take.
"I do understand that, as council members and community leaders, we want to do what's best for our community and what's best with COVID-19, but I can't help but look at the numbers and they just don't add up," said Coun. Mike McCann. "For every resident here in Barrie, the cost-savings is going to be about a buck a day."
McCann said he's not been hearing about anyone having concerns over their water bill due to the current health crisis.
Rebecca James-Reid, executive director of the city's Access Barrie, said there have been 38 emails in the past 30 days that have included questions around penalty and rate reductions on water services. Similar information gleaned from phone calls has been less clear, she said, but suggested there has been 100 less phone calls per week compared to years past on water-related issues.
City staff are still working out the specifics about how to apply.
The city is also working with business organizations to look at ways to potentially offer relief for small businesses closed by Ontario’s non-essential businesses emergency order.
The city has previously waived this year’s interest and penalty charges on taxes, as well as water and wastewater bills, until June 30.
Additionally, residents and property owners can suspend or opt out of monthly pre-authorized payment plans for tax and water/wastewater bills.
