As a resident of French Creek I was shocked and disappointed by the water rate increases that were recently approved for EPCOR. French Creek residents are already being grossly overcharged for water, as compared to at least one other local community.
Here is a comparison of the actual water consumption, and costs, for two residential units — one in French Creek, with water supplied by EPCOR, and the other in Qualicum Beach, with water supplied by the town.
The period covered is Oct. 1, 2014 to Sept. 30, 2015.
Qualicum Beach water consumption: 154 (cubic metres). French Creek: 185.
Amount billed, Qualicum Beach — $108.
Amount billed, French Creek — $510.88.
So, while the occupants of the French Creek home used a bit more water than those in the Qualicum Beach home (20 per cent more) they were billed more than four times as much.
Something is terribly wrong here. How can EPCOR get away with such overcharging?
Bear in mind that these numbers do not reflect a full year of the new, much higher water rates recently approved. A best guess is that, with EPCOR’s new rates in effect, residents of French Creek will likely be paying five times as much for water as those living in Qualicum Beach.
Len MustardFrench Creek