Courtenay Council is discussing moving ahead with a phased residential water metering program.

At its meeting last week, council reviewed the final phase of a study on residential water metering.

The City says the study confirms that residential water use is the main driver of seasonal peak demand, which has increased significantly in recent years.

Currently, most single-family homes are unmetered and pay a flat rate, resulting in an estimated $1.7 million annual subsidy from metered to unmetered users.

The city says that raises concerns about fairness, long-term costs, and pressure on regional water infrastructure.

Council is being asked to consider three implementation approaches, including a phased “balanced” program that would begin with installing meters at approximately 2,500 homes already equipped for them, followed by a gradual expansion to all properties over time.

The goal is to reduce water use, improve equity, and manage financial and operational impacts.

The program will begin with homes that are already set up for meters, with a gradual transition to all properties over time.

Council also directed staff to develop a detailed implementation plan, including how the program will be funded, how rates will be structured based on water use, and how residents will be engaged throughout the process.

As part of the work, staff will prepare updated bylaws to support consumption-based water rates and establish a dedicated reserve fund to help manage long-term costs, including new metering technology and system upgrades.

Read the full March 25 Council Meeting Highlights at City of Courtenay.