City of PG discusses possible 4% tax increase for stormwater

In Monday’s (August 16) City Council meeting, the city discussed upgrades to the stormwater system in the area, and the potential costs that carried.

Manager of Asset Management Kristie Bobbie gave a report on options that the city had to fix, upgrade, and maintain stormwater drainage.

The report showed between 2016 and 2021 the city spent on average $4.6 million on its stormwater program, ranging from $2.4 million one year to $7.6 million another.

“We all remember the Winnepeg Street sinkhole. And that small hole turned into a massive replacement costing $1.7 million just for this one failure,” said Bobbie.

The report suggested that the city should be spending about $9.1 million per year for stormwater management:

• $4.4 million for renewal
• $1 million for upgrades
• $185,000 for planning studies
• $3.4 million for operation and maintenance

The report added that Prince George had the largest length of sewer and ditch per capita compared to other cities, with examples like Kelowna, Nanaimo, Whistler, and Kamloops.

Recommended funding options in the report included:

• Property tax
• Dedicated tax levy
• A flat stormwater rate
• A stormwater rate based on land use and property size
• A stormwater rate based on actual or estimated impervious area
• Water/Wastewater rate
• Development related charges and fees
• Grants

Director of Finance Kris Dalio estimated the tax levy would mean a 4% tax increase.

The city had discussed the issue back in 2013, and Councillor Garth Frizzell recalled some of the feedback they had gotten from the public.

“Public sentiment appeared to be very, very strongly against it, with comments like this is just a tax on rain now.”

A presentation on the roadmap for these stormwater management options will be held on August 30, and public engagement is planned for mid-September.