Water in BC
 

Hi everyone

I'm about to ask what is probably a ridiculous question.
Having just arrived in Canada 4 weeks ago, I've finally got myself a house to rent for the next 12 months. I appear to have the most laid back landlord in the history of the world.
When I moved in, I asked what to do about sorting out utilities, as in, which companies etc, as I have never rented before in the UK, never mind within Canada.
He went over BC Hydro with me and said they are the only company who supply heat and electricity in BC, and when I asked about water, he then told me that water is free to use in BC.
Is this correct?
I've been searching all over the place for this and cannot find any verification. Seems too good to be true to me. Can anyone help on this matter?
Thanks
Rebecca

Re: Water in BC
 

Maybe, like my house in Nova Scotia, the property is supplied by its own well. If this is the case then yes, it's free.

Re: Water in BC
 

If there are water usage fees (and it is an IF), then the local municipality public works or local utilities company would be the ones to collect and administer it.

Re: Water in BC
 

We rented 3 places in BC and water was included in the rent on each property. We only had to pay gas and electric, it is standard stuff, and makes a nice change! So don't worry.

Re: Water in BC
 

City water is definitely not free. However, how it is paid for varies.

In White Rock it is metered and subcontracted to a private company so we get a bill from them every two months. In nearby Surrey the City operates the water and sewage utility and bills households every quarter. In the Sunshine Coast the Regional District is responsible and sends a bill to the registered owners each year - it become just part of the property taxes.

Re: Water in BC
 

It's included in property taxes in MR. Assumed it was the same downtown. Only rented downtown though so I can't be 100% sure.

Re: Water in BC
 

Ahh thanks for all your help! I looked on the city website and it looks like they charge for water, garbage and sewage, so I'm assuming it's all just paid for by the landlord since he told me I didn't have to contact anyone about water, just heat and electricity. So is it true that these two utilities are only done through BC Hydro and this is who I have to contact?
Sorry if this all sounds stupid, it's completely different to what I'm used to!

Re: Water in BC
 

BC Hydro supplies electricity, Fortis BC (until very recently called Terasen) supplies natural gas. Most homes (but not all) use natural gas for heating. Sometimes in Condos it comes as part of the rent. You should check with the landlord what kind of central heating the place has.

There are also independent gas supplies who might try and get you to sign a long term contract at a fixed price. They are a rip-off and should be avoided like the plague.

Re: Water in BC
 

You don't mention where in BC you'll be renting (although I'm thinking it's probably the Lower Mainland), but Fortis BC provides both the gas & electricity in our area of the Okanagan. Water is provided by different companies in Kelowna, depending on where you live.

Re: Water in BC
 

Fabulous, thank you. It's a townhouse in Langley, will find out from the landlord about the heating today and hopefully sort it all out