HALIFAX – A new public campaign called Stop the Water Hike has been launched to mobilize Halifax Regional Municipality residents to oppose Halifax Water’s proposed 36.6% rate hike.
As the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board is inviting public comment on Halifax Water’s plan to increase water rates by 36.6% in less than a year, residents can go to www.stoptheratehikes.ca, sign up and send a message to the regulator and to City Hall.
“This campaign is about prioritizing affordable water rates for everyday people,” said Kevin Russell, Executive Director of Rental Housing Providers Nova Scotia, which is sponsoring the campaign. “We are urging decision makers to put the livelihoods of people in our community ahead of needless harmful water rate increases. The ripple effects of a staggering 36.6% water rate increase are clear: higher utility bills, increasing unaffordability and rising costs for families, seniors, renters, homeowners, small businesses and vital organizations.”
Last week, the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board approved an extra week for public feedback on Halifax Water’s proposed rate hike, after Rental Housing Providers Nova Scotia had requested an extra two weeks. The Board moved the deadline for public feedback from Monday, August 25, to Tuesday, September 2.
“Water is essential. It’s not a luxury. But water is only available through a monopoly called Halifax Water that is owned by Halifax Regional Municipality,” added Russell. “Higher water rates will drive up the cost of everything so it’s important for everyone to speak out against this 36.6% rate hike.”
In addition to the website to channel public feedback to the regulator and to City Hall, the campaign will also extend to digital and social media channels. Residents are invited to join the conversation using #StopTheHike, share their personal stories about the impact of rate increases and invite friends to stand with them to demand accountability and affordability.
Questions?
Kevin Russell | Executive Director
O: 902.425.3572 | C: 902.789.0946 | E: kevin@rhpns.ca
211 Horseshoe Lake Drive, Suite 112, Halifax, NS, B3S 0B9
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