Agriculture water rate design

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In preparation for more than 500 new agriculture utility customers transitioning to the City water utility in 2020, a new agriculture irrigation rate design is being developed to ensure a fair structure that encourages conservation and supports farming operations.

Proposed rate structure

The agriculture water rate structure being proposed is a blend of a fixed-fee and escalating tiers that would be predictable and reward water conservation. New rates will be determined in 2020 and come into effect in 2021.

Review proposed rate structure (PDF)

If you wish to share feedback on the proposed rate structure, please complete the survey at the bottom of this page.

Consultation

The proposed rate structure has been designed in consultation with the public and utility customers, who provided input on water pricing values, priorities, concerns and impacts. Feedback heard through 2017/2018 consultation has been reflected in the proposed rate structure and billing changes.

Fall 2019

Agriculture irrigation customers are invited to review the proposed agriculture water rate design either in-person at an open house or online.

Drop-in, public open houses were held on Nov. 26, 2019 at Reid Hall (2279 Benvoulin Rd.) and on Nov. 28, 2019 at the Capital News Centre.

Those who were unable to attend an open house can review proposed rate structure (PDF) online. An online feedback survey was available until Dec. 6, 2019.


In preparation for more than 500 new agriculture utility customers transitioning to the City water utility in 2020, a new agriculture irrigation rate design is being developed to ensure a fair structure that encourages conservation and supports farming operations.

Proposed rate structure

The agriculture water rate structure being proposed is a blend of a fixed-fee and escalating tiers that would be predictable and reward water conservation. New rates will be determined in 2020 and come into effect in 2021.

Review proposed rate structure (PDF)

If you wish to share feedback on the proposed rate structure, please complete the survey at the bottom of this page.

Consultation

The proposed rate structure has been designed in consultation with the public and utility customers, who provided input on water pricing values, priorities, concerns and impacts. Feedback heard through 2017/2018 consultation has been reflected in the proposed rate structure and billing changes.

Fall 2019

Agriculture irrigation customers are invited to review the proposed agriculture water rate design either in-person at an open house or online.

Drop-in, public open houses were held on Nov. 26, 2019 at Reid Hall (2279 Benvoulin Rd.) and on Nov. 28, 2019 at the Capital News Centre.

Those who were unable to attend an open house can review proposed rate structure (PDF) online. An online feedback survey was available until Dec. 6, 2019.


Do you have a question about Agriculture Water Rate Design? Ask it here and we'll get you an answer as soon as possible. 

Please note that we are only able to respond during regular City operating hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding holidays.)


Q&A

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  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Looking at the pdf, what exactly is being charged to us farmers? On a comparison chart I saw $237, but what does that represent? A yearly charge? 6months? 1 month? On my acreage I water my land to grow forage for my cattle, so for me it is what the land/crop needs for water to have healthy growth is what the plants need. Without healthy growing forage, my cattle cannot be maintained on a healthy diet. It would have to be supplemented by expensive hay costs. so I always hope for occasional or frequent rain to lessen my water usage..

    grantj Asked 10 months ago

    Good afternoon, 
    The rate on the comparison chart is the current cost per hectare of allotment in Southeast Kelowna. This rate will be maintained through 2020. The information provided is showing the proposed rate structure for irrigation and agriculture customers in the City utility (including former SEKID and SOMID customers). Rates will be proposed in Spring 2020 and take effect in 2021.

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    Can all taxpayers attend the open house

    Manesso Asked 10 months ago

    Hi there, the open house is public, and we welcome any interested residents to attend. The topic of the open house will be focused specifically on the proposed agriculture irrigation rate structure.

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    As of mid April 2018 A contractor is yet to be awarded the Water Integration project. With deadlines for the receipt of the grant for this project can the City advise what is being done to mitigate delay to the project, potentially, as a worst case, resulting in removal of the grant funding should it not be completed in time? If the bids received exceeded the budget available , how is the discrepancy to be dealt with? Shall other capital projects be abandoned to meet the increased demand from this project, or shall the project be scaled back...if so how does this affect the grant?

    concerned of kelowna Asked over 2 years ago

    Hello. The city is currently in a confidential negotiation process to determine the contractor for the Kelowna Integrated Water – Phase 1 project. The City has until end of May to award the contract, after which the contractor could start work. The phase one project will see a new clean drinking water system installed for Southeast Kelowna residents and a reliable source for South Okanagan Mission Irrigation District. E-subscribe for updates at kelowna.ca/water.

     

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    Good morning, Has the contract been awarded for this work to start? Also, when will they be starting on this work and plan to finish? I live in southeast Kelowna and am interested in the status. cheers, Barb Hardy

    hardtospin@gmail.com Asked over 2 years ago

    Hi Barb, the City is still going through the bid selection and negotiation process. We expect to hold a public information session once the contractor is selected to let residents know about the details of the project including start dates, duration and phasing. Sign up for email updates here to receive information directly to your email!