Flat utility rates
Rates are set each year by City Council.
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Home, property, and development
Water and sewer annual flat rates
Water rates
| Property type | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single family dwelling | $616.00 | $592.00 | $568.00 |
| Single family dwelling with laneway house | $835.00 | $803.00 | $771.00 |
| Single family dwelling with suite | $835.00 | $803.00 | $771.00 |
| Single family dwelling with suite and laneway house | $1,055.00 | $1,014.00 | $973.00 |
| Strata duplex (per dwelling unit) | $417.00 | $401.00 | $385.00 |
| Vacant lot without water service | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Sewer rates
| Property type | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single family dwelling | $384.00 | $345.00 | $314.00 |
| Single family dwelling with laneway house | $519.00 | $466.00 | $424.00 |
| Single family dwelling with suite | $519.00 | $466.00 | $424.00 |
| Single family dwelling with suite and laneway house | $654.00 | $588.00 | $535.00 |
| Strata duplex (per dwelling unit) | $260.00 | $234.00 | $213.00 |
| Vacant lot without water service | $219.00 | $197.00 | $179.00 |
Annual fireline rates
| Pipe size (in mm) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mm | $222.00 | $218.00 | $214.00 |
| 75 mm | $333.00 | $326.00 | $320.00 |
| 100 mm | $460.00 | $451.00 | $442.00 |
| 150 mm | $530.00 | $520.00 | $510.00 |
| 200 mm | $622.00 | $610.00 | $598.00 |
| 250 mm | $661.00 | $648.00 | $635.00 |
| 300 mm | $708.00 | $694.00 | $680.00 |
Other fees
| Charge | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special reading fee | $100.00 | $104.00 | $102.00 |
| Returned cheque fee | $35.00 | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| Meter testing fee | $200.00 | $200.00 | $112.00 |
Cross connection fees
| Type of cross connection | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| First assembly | $29.00 | $28.00 | $27.00 |
| Additional assembly | $13.00 | $13.00 | $13.00 |
Recycling utility credit
On October 3, 2016, Recycle BC (formerly known as Multi-Material BC - MMBC) took on full responsibility for Vancouver's recycling program and we ended our term as their contracted service provider. Homeowners are receiving a credit of $3.02 (per suite) for the period between October 3 and December 31, 2016, on their 2017 main tax notice.
Vancouver homeowners will no longer be charged a recycling utility fee for curbside recycling collection and will now receive the basic recycling service at no cost through Recycle BC.
Recycle BC is funded by retailers, manufacturers, and restaurants, shifting costs away from homeowners.
Garbage bin collection annual rates
| Bin size | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 L | $75.00 | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| 120 L | $86.00 | $87.00 | $87.00 |
| 180 L | $102.00 | $103.00 | $103.00 |
| 240 L | $117.00 | $119.00 | $119.00 |
| 360 L | $148.00 | $151.00 | $151.00 |
When flat-rated utility services change after the annual utility or Main property tax bill, we will recalculate the charges prior to the next annual billing. This may result in a new bill being issued.
Annual rates for weekly pickup at multi-unit residential and commercial buildings
The City collects garbage weekly from a limited number of multi-unit residential and commercial buildings.
Weekly garbage pickup is not available to properties on biweekly service.
Minimum annual rates for residential properties
The City provides a minimum size and quantity of garbage bins to residential properties based on the number of dwelling units. The annual rate we charge is based on the minimum size and quantity of bins.
Rates for biweekly collection
Rates for weekly pickup
Green bin collection annual rates
| Bin size | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 L | $111.00 | $104.00 | $104.00 |
| 180 L | $130.00 | $122.00 | $122.00 |
| 240 L | $150.00 | $140.00 | $140.00 |
| 360 L | $189.00 | $176.00 | $176.00 |
When flat-rated utility services change after the annual utility or Main property tax bill, we will recalculate the charges prior to the next annual billing. This may result in a new bill being issued.
Street cleaning
| Charge | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per dwelling unit | $19.00 | N/A | N/A |
Learn more about flat rate utilities and water quality
Flat rate utilities on Property Tax notice
If you live in a single family home or a strata duplex, you are billed for utilities on your July Property Tax notice. Find an explanation of your Property Tax notice that shows where your utility charges are.
Water quality and pressure
Learn how the City and Metro Vancouver protect drinking water quality, and how we control water pressure.
Paying your utility bill
The City offers you four ways to pay your utility bill:
- Online
- By mail
- City Hall's mail slot
- In person
Learn more about the ways to pay your utility bill.
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