| Provincial Average | $557 | $18,830 | $54,656 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windsor | $789 | $17,073 | $45,118 |
| Difference | $232 | ($1,757) | ($9,538) |
It should be noted that he higher residential rate is not indicative of inefficiencies. Windsor's share of the sewer surcharge revenues that go to fund capital projects ranks highest in the province. As an older municipality with older infrastructure, the funds are put to good use to fund projects aimed at maintaining and updating the valuable wastewater management assets.
The recommendations in this report aim to bring the residential and commercial charges in line with actual consumption patterns and as a result, more inline with provincial averages. As shown in the chart below, the proposed 2020 shift to a 60% / 40% split along with the increased capital investments of $6M results in rates that achieve this goal.
| Projected 2020 Sewer Surcharge Costs, based on proposed 2020 budget | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Wastewater Costs | Commercial Wastewater Costs | Industrial Wastewater Costs | |
| Annual Usage | 200 m3 | 10,000 m3 | 30,000 m3 |
| Provincial Average* | $586 | $19,890 | $57,498 |
| Windsor | $781 | $19,273 | $51,718 |
| Difference | $195 | ($536) | ($5,780) |
*The Provincial Average has been assumed to increase by 5.2% over the reported 2019 BMA Study amounts, which reflects the "Non-residential Building Construction Price Index" for 2019 1st Quarter Annual inflation rate (same CPI rate used for indexing Development Charge Fees).
As noted, some municipalities may use revenues collected through property taxes and separate storm water fees to pay for their sewer infrastructure and therefore, their sewer surcharge fees may not be entirely reflective of the costs to operate and maintain the municipalities' respective sewer infrastructure systems.
Appendix C and Appendix D provide comparative data on both cost and volume for wastewater that is treated by the City. Windsor treats, on a per capita basis, more water than the majority of municipalities across the country. This is due to combined sewers and older infrastructure.
Based on the 2019 BMA Study, when comparing the combined costs of property taxes, water, and the sewer surcharge, the average Windsor property owner pays less in total charges ($4,569) than the provincial average ($5,182). This comparison is outlined in the chart below.