District of North Vancouver residents face higher utility bills in 2025, with steep hikes proposed for sewer rates. According to the District of North Vancouver staff, the hikes are primarily driven by Metro Vancouver costs and inflation. The proposed increases will be discussed at a council meeting on December 2.
Sewer Rates to Jump Nearly 20%
The most significant increase is for sanitary sewer charges.
A single-family home’s sewer charge is set to rise to $1,126.10, a 19.1% increase of $180.60 from 2024. The sharp hike proposed is due to rising Metro Vancouver costs and the need to maintain funding for DNV’s infrastructure projects, operational programs, and reserves, according to a DNV staff report.
“The proposed rate increases are consistent with the comprehensive Utility Rate Study conducted by FCS Group and Council’s objectives of maintaining financial sustainability in the management of sewer utility infrastructure,” notes the report. “The proposed rates support the DNV’s corporate strategic goals of achieving a balanced and fair economy, leading in climate emergency action and environmental management and fostering a resilient organization.”
Water and Garbage Rates Will Also Go Up
Water rates for single-family homes will increase by 3.3%, with proposed charges of $901.30, up $28.80 from 2024. The higher costs are tied to Metro Vancouver’s bulk water rate increases, inflation, and the District’s efforts to sustain capital works and reserves.
For garbage, organics, and environmental services, the combined fee for single-family properties will rise to $365.90, up from $354.10 in 2024—a 3.3% increase. This includes a 3% rise in garbage and organics fees, driven by inflation and higher Metro Vancouver tipping fees for garbage (up 5.2%) and organics (up 1.8%).
The 2025 environmental fee will also increase by $2.20 for single-family homes and $1.30 for multi-family dwellings. According to staff, the increase will cover the growing costs of streetscape recycling services, waste reduction education, and policy development. Businesses will also see higher costs, with a proposed 5% increase in commercial container fees, garbage disposal tipping fees, and flat fees for organics collection.
New Billing System for Transparency
Starting in 2025, residential utility charges will be billed separately from property taxes. The District hopes this change will improve transparency and help residents better understand cost drivers. Bills will be mailed by late February, with payments due by March 31. The first late-payment penalty in 2025 will be reversed if balances are cleared by the end of May to ease the transition. Penalties of 5% will apply on outstanding balances after March 31 and again after the last business day of May.
I am a bit puzzled by the sewer charge increase of 19.1% for 2025 over 2024. Note that page 71 of the Council package for Monday Dec 2 states that the Metro costs for Sewer Levy will increase by 70.2% for 2025 over 2024.
Correction – page 72 of council package.
we should restrict tax increases within the inflation range, including wage increases to district employees. Over 80% of our property taxes are going towards wages and benefits for district employees. Municipal employees are paid about 40% more than their private sector counterpart. We should consider these factors next time the district is sending us the tax bill. The taxpayer and shareholder of the municipality gets ONE vote every four years and the government is on the home-run with our money