Mississauga and Brampton residents can have their say on water rates

Mississauga and Brampton residents are being asked for their feedback as the Region of Peel seeks to continue delivering water and wastewater services at a fair rate. 

As it works towards developing a long-term plan for water and wastewater, the Region says it’s exploring various options. No decisions have yet been made, officials say, and that’s where residents enter the picture. 

“The feedback we receive through public engagement will be used to develop our plan for the future,” officials say.  

Serving 1.5 million people in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon, Peel’s water and wastewater system is one of the largest in Canada, with a total asset value of $25 billion. Each year, it provides more than 215 billion litres of water to residents and businesses. 

In delivering the services, the Region uses a rate structure that determines how residents and businesses are charged for drinking water and wastewater. Currently, Peel charges only for the amount of water used, and the rate is the same for everyone regardless of the amount of water used.  

Looking to the future, Region officials say they need to make sure people continue to receive high-quality water, and that they can rely on Peel’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Furthermore, the Region needs to ensure it can pay for needed repairs, replacements and upgrades and make sure it charges users in a way that provides good value.  

Officials say they want to keep rates fair and equitable while ensuring the amount of money collected from water bills is enough to fund the system’s needs. 

Residents are asked to visit the Region of Peel website, look for the Water and Wastewater Financial Plan link, and then provide feedback by Oct. 8.