BC NDP MLA Harwinder Sandhu introduces motion to support rural people with private wastewater costs
VICTORIA – BC NDP MLA Harwinder Sandhu introduced a motion in the Legislative Assembly today calling on the government to support residents across the province who rely on private wastewater facilities.
During her remarks, MLA Sandhu, who represents Vernon-Lumby, said the following:
“For decades, residents in the Silver Star community have been advocating for oversight and regulation of private sewer utilities. Their concerns are not new, and unfortunately, neither are the rising costs they continue to face.
At a time when families everywhere are facing global affordability challenges, rising costs, and economic uncertainty, rural residents should not be burdened by utility fees that continue to increase without meaningful accountability or oversight.”
MLA Sandhu continued to say that she has already received positive feedback from local residents on her proposal to tackle this issue.
One resident said they saw a 36% increase since 2023 in fixed fees alongside major increases in consumption charges.
MLA Sandhu continued, saying:
“Research provided by the Silver Star Property Owners Association demonstrates just how serious these disparities have become. In some cases, annual wastewater costs for residents’ range between $1,300 and $1,500, while nearby municipalities pay closer to $400 or $500 for similar services. Some homeowners are paying as much as three times more than residents in neighbouring communities for comparable services.”
MLA Sandhu concluded by saying that it is not only members of her constituency that face this unfair issue, and it’s about making sure that people across the province are protected from excessive wastewater pricing.
“By consulting with municipalities, residents, industry, and stakeholders, government has an opportunity to explore long-term solutions that better protect rural British Columbians from excessive wastewater costs while creating a more balanced, transparent, and accountable system for the future.”
Debate on the motion was adjourned today and is expected to continue when the Legislature resumes in the fall.