A16 Friday, November 25, 2011, Tri-City News
www.tricitynews.com
Smaller utility fee hikes in Port Coquitlam By Gary McKenna THE TRI-CITY NEWS
Sewer and water rates are going up in Port Coquitlam but residents will not pay the large increases they saw in 2011. Water rates for an average single family home will increase by $19 (5.3%) while sewer rates will jump $9 (3.2%) for a total of $28, a number that is down from the $40 average increase billed last year. Townhouses will pay
an extra $17 for water and $7 for sewer services and apartments are expected to see an increase of $16 for water and $7 for sewer. As in past years, regional cost drivers, some of which are beyond the local municipality’s control, are pushing utility rates skyward. Metro Vancouver, which oversees the utilities, has a capital program estimated to total $2.3 billion over the next 10 years, meaning water and sewer rates
are not likely to decrease anytime soon. Much of that money will be used on projects such as the Seymour/Capilano filtration plant, a drinking water treatment project and a Port Mann Main Fraser River water crossing. Also, changes to provincial and federal water regulations require a $250 million upgrade to the Coquitlam Water Filtration Plan. However, none of the higher
levels of government have offered up money to help with the upgrades, a decision PoCo Mayor Greg Moore calls “downloading at its finest.” “Even though we have incredibly clean water, we still have to meet the new federal standards,” he said. “And we are getting zero money to pay for those upgrades.” Compared to other municipalities, PoCo’s utility rates are on the lower end. The average
single-family home paid $368 in 2011 compared to Burnaby ($459), Maple Ridge ($413) and Coquitlam ($384). Only Port Moody had a lower rate at $347. PoCo residents also pay one of the lower sewer rates in the north Fraser region, with the average home owner paying $280 in 2011. That compares with Bur naby ($455), Maple Ridge ($250), Coquitlam ($347) and Port Moody ($333). gmckenna@tricitynews.com
More and more people are getting on bicycles because they see the beneÄts to their health, happiness and community.
Happy Holidays!
Say goodbye to pain Experience the benefits of Low Intensity Laser Light Therapy Rheumatoid Arthritis I was experiencing painful, shoulder, neck and pain radiating to both my elbows. This was impacting my sleep. Every 2 to 3 hours I would awaken and try to repostition, massage, use hot or cold packs to fall back to sleep. I sought the help of my Rheumatologist, but was told I would probably need to live with it. Finally I decided to start Laser Light Therapy. They focused on my neck and within a few treatments, my shoulders, my neck and right elbow stopped aching.
Come Celebrate
’s 5th Anniversary Join the Fun!
Rita Luterbach
Sunday, November 27th 11am - 4pm • PoCo Location
Severe Neck Pain Subsequent to an injury incurred while training in the gym, I could not move my head up and down, left and right, without severe pain. The pain endured for over 2 months and was unbearable. I read about Laser Light Therapy and made an appointment for treatment. I was not expecting results so quickly. After only 6 sessions of treatments, my pain had completely disappeared.
Bob Coss
Knee Pain
HST
EXEMP
T
COVER MOST EX ED BY HEALTHTENDED -CA PLANS RE
My knees have been bothering me for 12 years. I have been a letter carrier for 30 years and an avid cyclist. I have spent too many nights lying awake with pain. I recently tried Laser Light Therapy and after just 7 sessions I feel much better. I can now walk and go up and down stairs without pain at the end of the day.
Gail Locke
• Nail trims by 5 minimum donation of $5 • Draws, Prizes, Dr Cake and other freebies Ca • Premiering our new Dog Photography Service
• Presentations Pr by Three Dog Bakery, y, Trainer - Todd Kier, Can n, Canine Oral Hygienist - Kelly Moran, and our groomers!
Laser Light Therapy
Dr. P. Bennett 778.28.LASER 778.285.2737 Lincoln Centre, Coquitlam www.laserlighttherapyinc.com
Unit 215 - 3030 Lincoln Ave. one block east of Coquitlam Centre
604-461-DOGS (36447)
2565 Barnet Hwy., Coquitlam tlam (@ Falcon, next to Bosley’s Pet Foods) ods)
www.DapperDog.ca
604-945-DDOG (3364) U 13 • 1750 McLea Unit an Ave., Port Coquitlam m
www.facebook.com/dapperdogdaycare