Water meter protests all wet
By Kyra Hoggan
City contractors trying to install water meters are meeting some resistance from residents – and city officials are warning people that’s a decision they may later regret.
Castlegar Mayor Lawrence Chernoff said several people have now turned the contractors away, and he’s not sure they understand the financial consequences of so doing. “If you get a meter installed now, it’s free,” he explained. “If you say no, you’ll end up with one of two choices: you’ll either have to pay the flat rate, which will be more expensive, or you’ll have to pay to have a meter installed yourself. “People should seize this opportunity.” Monetary issues aside, he also said it’s just the right thing to do. “The stats are clear – when water meters are installed, usage rates drop dramatically. It’s what’s best for individuals, the community as a whole, and the environment.” City director of Transportation and Civic Works Chris Barlow said the city aims to install a total of roughly 2,700 meters, 800 of which are already in place. He said the other 1,900 will be installed by the autumn of 2013 or sooner, at which point metered rates will be instituted. He also said the rates will be designed such that a flat rate would almost certainly be more expensive than metered bills. He said anyone wishing to schedule a meter installation can call contractor Corix Utilities at 1-877-666-3837.
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