Permit Price

Hi There I have some responses to your question. Thanks for your patience. You are correct in that the low price is meant in part as a minor deterrent that still encourages compliance so the city can keep tabs on excess water usage. We are purposing $15.00 for 2026 and 2027 as a first step, which is an increase from past years. The $15.00 rate was chosen because our fee bylaw allows for cost recovery as an initial step. In 2027, the fee bylaw will be reviewed, and a different fee structure may be established through that process and will be subject to an annual review. The public education piece is very important when we look at changing behaviors and encouraging water conservation and works in tandem with the permit fees to help our aquifer and water capacity. For outdoor water use, we have the healthy landscape program, and we do communication throughout the season on outside water use including recommendations on how to water efficiently, lawn care advice, proper mulching etc. Thanks for letting us know that a higher fee is of interest. We will certainly keep that in mind as we update the fee bylaw next year.

Thank you Namali. I will check with the policy analyst to find out where the price for the permit came from. I will get back to you shortly