NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF TIMMINS
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In an effort to provide relief for low income earners for water and wastewater utility bills, a “Low Income Utility Assistance Credit” has been approved by Council at its regular meeting on January 5, 2021.
“I applaud Council for taking this progressive step to support homeowners with low income deal with water and sewer rates,” said Mayor Pirie. “We know the city has an infrastructure deficit. This will necessitate higher rates on an ongoing basis as we build our reserves to prepare for major construction programs.
“Timmins has the lowest water and sewer rates when compared to the other major centres in the north. Despite this, Council is acting proactively to help those who are economically challenged. This program will help balance the necessity to invest in our critical infrastructure with the individual circumstances faced by our residents.”
This is an application based program that is being offered to low income earners to help offset future increases on water and wastewater utility bills.
The criteria set out in the by-law states the following:
1. An application is required to be filled out by December 31st of the year the rebate is being applied for;
2. The application is required to be filled out every year;
3. Applicant or spouse must be the registered homeowner on title of the residential property;
4. Applicant or spouse must be in receipt of the Guaranteed Income Supplement, Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works; and
5. Property must be assessed under the Residential tax classification.
If the application is approved, the homeowner will be eligible for an annual $50 credit on the water and wastewater utility account.
This rebate will also be retroactive to January 1, 2020. If you wish to apply for 2020 and 2021, please ensure to complete a separate application for each year.
Application forms will be available online, by selecting the following link: Low Income Utility Assistance Credit, or at the Service Timmins counter at City Hall on February 11, assuming the lockdown has been lifted.
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