The City of Courtenay is moving toward installing water meters on all properties in the future.
At the March 27 council meeting, city council approved moving forward with a phased residential water metering program as the city’s long-term approach.
Council received three reports on the case study: the results, the financial strategy and implementation pathways.
Director of Operational Services Kyle Shaw said the reports did not ask council to determine a timeline or capital spending, but whether residential metering should be adopted as a long-term strategic direction.
“The headline conclusion from the business case is clear; residential metering can be very effective, it improves conservation, fairness and long-term system sustainability.”
The case study found residential water use is the main driver of seasonal peak demand and has increased significantly in recent years.
Most single-family homes are currently unmetered and pay a flat rate, resulting in an estimated $1.7 million annual subsidy from metered to unmetered users.
Shaw said there are several layers to the options and it is not a simple decision whether to install water meters.
“What it is about is whether the city continues to manage water based on averages or transitions to a system that is measurable, fair and resilient, and whether that transition is managed in a deliberate delivery framework.”
Council was asked to consider three implementation approaches and chose the phased “balanced” program. The program would begin by installing meters at approximately 2,500 homes already equipped for them, followed by gradual expansion to all properties over time.
The approach aims to reduce water use, improve equity and manage financial and operational impacts.
Council directed staff to develop a detailed implementation plan, including how the program will be funded, how rates will be structured based on water use and how residents will be engaged throughout the process.
Staff will also prepare updated bylaws to support consumption-based water rates and establish a dedicated reserve fund to manage long-term costs, including new metering technology and system upgrades.
