BlackburnNews.com File Photo. (Photo by Jason Viau)BlackburnNews.com File Photo. (Photo by Jason Viau)
London

Reduced Increases Projected For Water Rates

London homeowners may still be looking at an increase in their water rates, but it won't be as big of a jump as it has been in previous years.

A report that is set to be presented on Monday to the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee, is projecting water and waste water rate increases of 3% for 2016.

London Councillor Josh Morgan says it's part of a plan to long-term plan to bring down water rates.

"As residents will recall, years ago, there was a large increase in the rates. Even in the last few years we've been at 8% and last year [was] 7%," he says. "I know that it's been tough on homeowners to face those increases in the past few years, but they can rest easy that it is [now] a sustainable system. They should expect these small increases moving forward."

Morgan says council is looking to keep the 3% rate the same over the next four years, without any increase.

"We've moved to a place where we have a sustainable long-term fiscal plan and financial plan within the water system, as apposed to a financial plan that was very vulnerable to consumption," he says.

Morgan says residential water consumption in London has decreased by 32% and is foretasted to decrease even further over the next few years.

"Londoners should be rewarded for their consumption decreases," he says. "By them using less water and becoming a more sustainable community, they have put off, far into the future, things like significant capitol investments into a new sewer plant."

Read More Local Stories

New military crosswalk rendering. (Image courtesy of the Sarnia Legion Branch 62)

New military crosswalk in Sarnia to be unveiled

As part of a partnership between the Sarnia Legion Branch 62 and City of Sarnia, an unveiling ceremony will be held at the corner of Christina Street and Wellington Street on Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m.

Members of the Sarnia Police Service entering a Tashmoo Avenue residence on June 4, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Sarnia Police Service)

Two men arrested in Tashmoo Ave. standoff

Sarnia police said the investigation began on May 29 after the victim was allegedly attacked by acquaintances at a residence near Tashmoo Avenue and Christopher Drive at Aamjiwnaang First Nation.