Bike plan gets boost; water costs may rise

As Toronto householders face a 9 per cent increase in water rates — about $33 a year — big industrial water users argue that they should get a break on the looming increases to preserve jobs. The increase recommended by councillors on the works committee will raise a typical household’s bill to $406 next year. Similar increases are projected for the next four years, which will bring the yearly bill to $574 by 2010.

City staff said the rates need to increase to pay for a huge repair backlog in the city’s aging water pipes and sewers. Councillors reluctantly agreed.

“ Our water is too cheap, and people don’t understand the need for conservation,” said Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker ( Ward 38, Scarborough Centre).

Toronto Industrial Network, which represents the city’s biggest industrial water users, pleaded for lower rates.

“Their corporate headquarters are asking: Why should we be in Toronto when we can be in other locations that are lower cost?” said Martin Stemeroff, a consultant for the companies, referring to Peel, Durham and London. The committee also approved a plan designed to eliminate Toronto’s backlog of pitted, potholed roads within 10 years and voted to restore $ 800,000 to create more bicycle lanes and pathways. That brings the bike plan budget back up to $3 million. The finance committee last week had cut that money.

All works committee recommendations must be approved by council.