Utilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Water and Sewer Rate Changes

An exhaustive review of water and sewer utility rates has recently been undertaken by experts in the industry, with the aim to make sure each utility is sustainable for the next generation. The study:

  • Determined how much it costs to provide each service (things like operations, maintenance, capital construction and administration)
  • Determined how much each type of customer (residential, commercial, multi-unit residential) should pay
  • Recommended the implementation of water meters for all users
  • Recommended sewer charges be calculated on a fixed charge plus a variable amount based on water use
  • Recommended the implementation of sewer metering for all marina sani-dumps
  • Based on these findings, changes to the rates are proposed over 5 years to make sure these vital services will continue for our community.

What does this mean for customers?

The rate changes could mean different things, depending on what type of customer you are. The water utility requires more revenue to be sustainable therefore rate increases have been implemented.  The Sewer utility has sufficient funds; however, the billing methodology has now been aligned with the water utility, which changes the distribution of billing. The changes on your billing is over a five-year period (2019-2023). Most District utility customers fall under three broad categories:

  • Residential customers: The change to water rates would see the average annual bill increase by $100 over five years, with annual average increases ranging from 2.2% to 9.2%.  While the change to sewer rates would be very minimal, with the average annual bill only increasing by $18 (5%) over a five-year period.

 

Meters are read twice a year in June and December, with bills being forwarded the following month (January and July) and due March 1st and August 31st.

Metered Water Rates are based on a fixed rate (dependent on size of meter) plus consumption of cubic meters (m3).

Metered Sewer Rates are based on 80% of water consumption. There is a minimum charge per billing department, and a consumption charge for consumption above the minimum.

If you are required to be connected to the sewer, and have not done so as yet, a non-compliant fee is charged.

Resources: 

 

Annual Billings are processed in January of each year and due the first business day after Canada Day (the same day property taxes are due). Water and Sewer rates are dependent on the use of the property. A penalty of 10% is applied to outstanding balances after the due date.

If you are required to be connected to the sewer and have not done so as yet, a non-compliant fee is charged.

Due to the difference between the flat rates and the metered rates it may be beneficial for residential users to look at the option of converting to a meter. Meters provide the users the opportunity to benefit financially from any water conservation methods they put in place within their premises. Conservation of water, in turn, will affect the costs of the District of Sicamous Water Utility. If you wish to consider the purchase and installation of a water meter, please contact the District Office for further details.

Additional Resources: 

Curious about payment options? Check out the District of Sicamous Payment Options document to explore your choices!

Online Banking 

Search for "Sicamous" (utilities) as a payee. Use the 13 digit account number found at the on the top left hand corner of your Utilities Invoice. Do not use spaces or punctuation.

Credit Card

Pay your property taxes and utilities by credit card through Paymentus Corporation, a third-party-automated payment service that accepts Visa and MasterCard. Paymentus will charge a convenience fee of 2.5% of your tax or utility payment which will be added to your payment amount. This service is also available through an automated telephone system by calling 1-855-347-9799.

Drop your payment in our drop box

The drop box is beside the door at the Main Street entrance. Payments via cheque or money order can be left in this deposit box. Remember to write your utility account number on your cheque.

By mail

  • Send  payment to the District of Sicamous, PO Box 219, Sicamous, BC V0E 2V0.
  • Write the account number on your cheque and ensure that the cheque is payable to the District of Sicamous.
  • Post-dated cheques are accepted.
  • Mail lost or delayed by the post office may miss the discount date or will be assessed with a penalty if late, as the postmark will not be considered as the date of payment.
  • Mail in a post-dated cheque early to avoid penalties.
  • In the event of a postal disruption, please utilize alternative payment methods to ensure that payment is received by the due date. 

In person at the District Office

  • Methods of payment accepted are:
    • Cash
    • Debit card
    • Money Order
    • Cheque or Post-dated cheque payable to District of Sicamous

Office hours for the District Office are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday excluding Statutory Holidays.

At your financial institution

Use your original current utility notice to make payment at your local financial institution as some will not accept reprints.

Manage your Utilities Accounts online. 

You will require your account PIN to use online services. Your five-digit PIN can be found on your Utilities Invoice under the Account Details section a third of the way down on the right hand side. 

ONLINE SERVICES

Water Conservation

Small changes to everyday routines can make a big difference when it comes to conserving water and saving on your utility bill. Check out our Water Conservation webpage for tips to help you conserve water.