North Bay, ON – Dec. 9, 2025 – Tonight, North Bay City Council approved a Water and Wastewater Operating Budget of $31.1 million for 2026.
The approved budget includes $28.99 million in rate-supported revenue, an increase of 5.27 per cent, or $1.45 million, compared to 2025. The 40 per cent fixed / 60 per cent variable rate structure will be maintained for 2026.
For the average residential customer, the 2026 budget will result in a monthly bill of between $99.27 and $121.75, representing an annual increase of between $43 and $50, or $3.58 to $4.18 per month.
“Water and wastewater services are essential to our community,” said Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield. “This budget ensures these critical services continue to meet the needs of residents and businesses every day.”
A significant portion of the budget supports essential maintenance and upgrades to core infrastructure, including watermains, pumping stations, and treatment facilities. The remainder covers operational costs to support the delivery of services personnel and goods and services.
“These investments help ensure our systems remain reliable and sustainable for the long term,” said Coun. Lana Mitchell, Chair of Council’s Infrastructure and Operations Committee.
The 2026 budget builds on multi-year efforts to strengthen the City’s water and wastewater systems while providing residents with stable, predictable, and usage-focused billing.