What is the new Sustainable Water and Sewage Systems Act, 2002?
In the aftermath of the Walkerton tragedy, the Ontario government announced its intention to move toward full cost recovery for water and sewer services. Full cost recovery means that all costs are identified, budgeted for and recovered through a variety of user fees and charges, including rates. In December 2001 the government proposed the Sustainable Water and Sewage Systems Act (Bill 155). This legislation was then re-introduced by the Ministry of the Environment as Bill 175 in September 2002. In December 2002 this Act was passed by the Ontario Legislature. However, it has not yet been proclaimed in force because the government has not completed drafting the regulations that are necessary to implement the Act. The goal of Ontario’s Sustainable Water and Sewage Systems Act, 2002 (hereafter referred to as the Sustainable Water and Sewage Systems Act) is to ensure that municipalities can finance essential water and sewer services and ensure clean, safe drinking water. The Act makes it
