Significant Utility Bill Increases for Tri-City Residents in 2025

Residents of Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam are facing notable hikes in their 2025 utility bills. These increases are primarily due to substantial cost overruns associated with Metro Vancouver's North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project.

Port Moody

Port Moody homeowners are seeing the following additional charges on their utility bills:

• Single-family homes: Additional $95

• Townhomes: Additional $90

• Apartments: Additional $61

The deadline for payment is February 28, 2025. Late payments will incur a 5% penalty, with an additional 5% added after March 31, 2025.

Coquitlam

In Coquitlam, the sewer and drainage portion of utility bills has increased by 16%, translating to an extra $101 for the average homeowner. Notably, 10% of this increase is allocated to the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project. The city has utilized contingency funds to reduce the impact from an initial 20% hike. Payments are due by March 31, 2025, with a 5% penalty for late submissions.

Port Coquitlam

Port Coquitlam residents are experiencing a 30.98% increase in the sewer and drainage portion of their utility bills, amounting to an additional $122.61 for the average homeowner. This surge is largely attributed to the wastewater treatment plant's budget overruns. Utility bill payments are due by March 31, 2025. Late payments will incur a 5% penalty, with an additional 5% added after June 2, 2025.

Background on the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant Project

The North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, initially budgeted at $700 million, has seen costs escalate to nearly $4 billion, with the completion date pushed to at least 2030. This project aims to enhance wastewater treatment quality, control odors, and increase resilience to environmental challenges. The significant budget overruns have led to increased utility fees across the Metro Vancouver region.

Implications for Homeowners

These utility bill increases have sparked concern among residents. One Port Moody homeowner described the hike as "enormous" and "unexpected." Municipalities are striving to manage the financial impact on their communities, but the substantial regional project costs necessitate these adjustments.

Residents are encouraged to review their utility bills promptly and ensure timely payments to avoid additional penalties. For more information or assistance, homeowners should contact their respective municipal offices.

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