Proposed water rate increase on the horizon in Halifax

It wasn’t that long ago that, of all the utility bills we pay each month, water was usually the bill of least concern.

In Halifax, water rates have been on the rise, and according to newly published reports, we could see another steep increase over the next couple of years.

Residents Could Face Another Big Hike in Their Residential Water Bill

Local media outlets are reporting that Halifax Water is looking to increase water rates by as much as 9% in 2027 and again in 2028. This 18% increase will come on top of increases approved by the province’s Regulatory and Appeals Board earlier this year that saw rates rise by 12% in January and another 6 percentage points in April.

The proposed rate increases would take effect on April 1 in each of those two years.

Double-Digit Increase Déjà Vu

That 18% increase this year was the subject of a lot of discussion on street corners, on talk radio, and in coffee shops. Many people voiced concerns that the large increase in 2026 was unaffordable.

Small business owners also raised alarm bells in the lead-up to the 2026 hike and will now face another significant increase.

Why Are the Rates Going Up?

The CEO of Halifax Water, Kendra MacKenzie, is quoted in the media as saying that affordability is a key factor in their decision-making process, but the cost of delivering water to residents of HRM is also on the rise.

MacKenzie was also quoted as saying that the request would be for 9% but would likely fall in the 7% to 8% range.

MacKenzie did say that there would be an opportunity for the public to provide feedback and, as is the law here in Nova Scotia, the rates would have to go through the approval process at the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Review Board.

Maintaining a Household Is Becoming More Expensive

We all pay utilities. While the actual dollar amount of this increase might not seem like a lot, factor in the rise in property taxes, insurance, other utilities, maintenance, and, of course, mortgage payments, and the real cost of homeownership becomes more expensive.

Get Good Advice

These little costs add up. That is why chatting with an unbiased mortgage professional can help ensure that you are on the right track, whether you’re looking to buy your first home, upgrade, downsize, or refinance.

If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at the Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team. You can give us a call at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.