Toronto – City of Toronto proposed an interim three per cent increase to the rates and fees for Solid Waste Management Services and Toronto Water. Once approved by City Council, these interim rates and fees will take effect Monday, January 1, 2024, and are temporary until City Council considers the 2024 rate-supported operating and capital budgets in February 2024. The proposed moderate increases will allow Solid Waste Management Services and Toronto Water to maintain all service levels and allocate sufficient funds for future capital needs. Additionally, an interim increase now helps to avoid a larger hike when the final budget is approved.
Solid Waste Management Services
Households are charged for waste collection services according to the size of their garbage bins. In 2024, factoring in the three per cent increase, the yearly solid waste fee for a single-family household will amount to $295.29 for a small bin (an increase of $8.60), $358.47 for a medium bin (an increase of $10.44), $486.86 for a large bin (an increase of $14.18), and $564.71 for an extra-large bin (an increase of $16.45).
In addition to residential garbage collection, Solid Waste Management Services fees fund the collection and processing of yard waste, organics, oversized and metal items, household hazardous waste and electronics. These fees also provide support for city-wide litter collection, Community Environment Days, street and park bin collection, drop-off depots and the ongoing maintenance of closed landfills.
Toronto Water
For the average Toronto household using 230 cubic metres of water per year, the interim water and wastewater consumption rate will cost an additional $30 annually (eight cents a day) for a total of $1,039 in 2024. Toronto Water provides safe drinking water, wastewater collection and treatment and stormwater management while investing in the construction of new assets and revitalization of existing infrastructure to address the challenges posed by growth, aging infrastructure and the effects of climate change.
The interim rates and fees for Solid Waste Management Services and Toronto Water will be considered by Executive Committee on Tuesday, December 5 and then City Council at its meeting on Wednesday, December 13 to Friday, December 15. If approved, the interim rates will go into effect January 1, 2024. Final rates will be approved as part of the 2024 Budget process, which will launch on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
Toronto residents and businesses are encouraged to share their feedback on the proposed interim rates and fees, associated services and service levels. They can register to speak at the Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 5, by calling 416-392-7033 by Monday, December 4 at 4:30 p.m. Written comments can be submitted by email to exc@toronto.ca or by mail to Executive Committee, 100 Queen St. W. Second Floor, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2. A city-wide consultation on the City’s 2024 Budget began engaging Torontonians on November 1 and will continue online and in person until November 30. Residents can register to attend a meeting and complete an online survey by clicking the Share Your Ideas button on the City’s 2024 Budget webpage: www.toronto.ca/budget.
A Backgrounder on the City’s 2024 Budget process is available on the City’s Media Room webpage: www.toronto.ca/news/city-of-toronto-2024-budget-process. “The suggested interim rate and user fees fee maintain affordability for Toronto residents and businesses while maintaining these essential services. Resident input plays a vital role in shaping these decisions, and I encourage Toronto residents and businesses to contribute their feedback.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow