Introduction of $2 Paper Billing Fee for Water Bills

A $2 paper billing fee for anyone who chooses to receive their water bill by mail will begin with the first water bills of 2026, which will be mailed out in March.

In 2024, staff recommended introducing the $2 fee. This fee helps cover the real costs of printing and mailing paper bills, such as paper, envelopes, and postage. The Municipality sends water bills six times a year, and as of July 2024, more than 2,100 bills were still being mailed each cycle. This costs the Municipality almost $26,000 every year, in addition to considerable staff resources.

Council asked staff to spend all of 2025 informing residents about the upcoming fee before putting it in place. Over the past year, residents may have seen notices about the fee on the Municipality’s website, in the MM Messenger municipal newsletter, on social media, and directly on their water bills. Because of this outreach, over 830 more residents have switched to e‑billing, saving about $9,900 a year in mailing costs. These savings reduce pressure on property taxes.

Switching to e‑billing also supports Council’s strategic goal of creating Modern, Efficient, and Effective Municipal Operations. It cuts down on paper use, improves service, and is more reliable during mail disruptions.

On November 4, 2025, Council approved By‑law 25‑084 (2026 Fees and Charges), which includes the new $2 paper billing fee. Staff are required to follow this by‑law.

Residents who sign up for e‑billing will not be charged the paper billing fee. Sign up here for e-billing.