Understanding Sewer Service Expectations

THE CITY HAS NOT INITIATED A PROJECT TO EXPAND SEWER SERVICE, however the Sewer Master Plan details a phased approach for possible future expansion. This survey is intended to guide future decision making by understanding the percentage of residents willing to pay to connect to sewers.

Background information

Estimated cost for homeowners to connect to sewer service

Connecting to the City sewer system involves three steps: 1) creating a connection on City property, 2) decommissioning your septic system and creating a connection on your property, and 3) annual servicing fees. Costs will vary depending on the sewer main location and funding approach taken.

1. Cost to create a City sewer connection to your property line: Connection is coordinated by the City once an application is approved. Fees average about $30,000 per household and are amortized over 30 years and billed annually through property taxes at approximately $1,900 per year.
   
   
2. Cost to extend sewer down your street and create a connection to your property: In addition to the public-side connection costs, homeowners must decommission their existing septic system and connect their home to the sewer system at the property line. The homeowner is responsible for coordinating this work. Costs vary significantly depending on the property and existing infrastructure. A typical estimate is $30,000 but can range from $20,000 to $55,000.
   
   
3. Annual Sewer Servicing Fees: In addition to connection costs, there is an annual sewer servicing fee of $450 (as of 2025) for operation and maintenance which would be billed annually through your property tax notice.

Potential benefits of connection

A property’s development potential MAY increase by connecting to sewers. Recent Provincial legislation enables three to six units on properties with sewer and water service, and that meet other applicable development criteria.

Colwood's Allocation in the CRD Wastewater Treatment Facility

Expanding sewer service would increase our flows and require the City to increase its capacity in the treatment facility sooner. This would result in added costs to sewer users, but costs would be spread among more users. This increase is expected to be less than $300 per household per year. Read more about Flows + Allocation at www.colwood.ca/Sewers

Please complete the online survey to voice your views about sewer expansion considerations.

Next steps

The survey is scheduled to close March 16, 2026. A report of survey findings will subsequently be presented to Colwood Council in a public meeting where next steps will be explored.