‘Ottawa’ Proposal for New Stormwater Charge Pushed Back to September
Funding a controversial stormwater fee partially through taxes could be one option City of Ottawa staff consider before making a recommendation in September, according to council’s environment chair.
But Coun. David Chernushenko says residents who currently aren’t contributing money to the stormwater program won’t be let off the hook.
“I think the city has been clear from the outset that if you are receiving a service, you need to contribute towards it,” Chernushenko said Tuesday. “What is the fair amount that you’re contributing towards it? That’s the hard part to work out.”
The staff proposal to change the water and sewer rate structure, including a plan to recoup funds for stormwater services, was originally expected to be tabled this month. Results from a series of public consultations convinced staff to come up with more options.
The city plans to release a report on the public consultations in the coming weeks.