January 9, 2026
In 2026, the City of Nelson will continue investing in its water, wastewater (sewer), and resource recovery (garbage, recycling, and organics) systems to ensure safe, reliable service for residents. Utility rates are adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation and to build the capital reserves needed for major long-term projects, including upgrades to assets including the wastewater force main and wastewater treatment plant, and the replacement of the Five Mile pipeline, which are 50 and 100 years old respectively.
Making these investments now helps ensure our utility systems remain ready to serve the community for generations to come.
Council adopted the annual fee schedule at the January 6 regular meeting after passing the first three readings in December, and public budget sessions in October and November. The increase amounts to $100 for a single-family dwelling (if paid by March 15), broken down into an increase of $39 for water and wastewater operating costs, $36 for capital reserves for future asset replacements, and $25 for resource recovery, which includes waste, recycling, and organics diversion.
Annual water, wastewater, and resource recovery utility bills will be mailed to all households in late January. The bill can be paid in full or in quarterly installments; residents who pay in full before the March 15, 2026 deadline receive a ten percent discount.
Accepted payment methods include:
- in person at City Hall (310 Ward Street) during business hours
- online through your bank or financial institution
- by credit card over the phone to 250-352-5511 (subject to 2.4% credit card fee)
Important dates to remember:
- March 15, 2026: Early-bird Discount deadline (10%)
- March 31, 2026: Full payment due (or Q1 payment due if paying in quarterly installments)
- June 30, 2026: Q2 payment due
- September 30, 2026: Q3 payment due
- December 31, 2026: Q4 payment due
Sign up for NotifyMe payment reminders here.
Since 2016, the City of Nelson has replaced over 12,000 metres of watermain lines, and nearly 15,000 metres of wastewater lines, some of which were nearly 100 years old. In the past five years, the City has invested $17 million into water and wastewater infrastructure, including extension of Anderson/Fell and Selous Creek supply lines to Mountain Station, the Anderson booster station, and partial completion of our treated water storage facility at Mountain Station.
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