Additional Dwelling Unit Charges

Properties with more than one dwelling unit may have additional charges for sewer and garbage. Charges are based on the number of dwelling units on the property and may affect both fixed charges and how water consumption is calculated.

What is an Additional Dwelling Unit?

An additional dwelling unit is a self-contained living space on a property that includes:

• sleeping area
• kitchen or cooking facilities
• bathroom

Examples include:

• secondary suite
• carriage house

What Charges are Affected?

The charges related to additional dwelling units will be reflected on the Statement of User Rates.

Properties with additional dwelling units may have increased charges for:

Sewer

• Charged per dwelling unit for residential properties

Garbage

• Charged per dwelling unit
• Each unit is eligible for its own service level

The standard cart set for one dwelling unit is:  

	120L garbage (can be upsized to 240L for an additional daily charge)
	120L organics (no upsize options available)
	240L recycling (can be upsized to 360L at no additional daily charge)

Water Consumption

• Total water usage is shared across the property
• Consumption tiers are adjusted based on the number of dwelling units

This means tier limits increase proportionally as additional units are added.

Water Base

• Based on the size of the water meter servicing the property

Exemptions

Some properties with additional dwelling units may be eligible for an exemption from certain user rates charges, depending on how the unit is used and other eligibility criteria.

Exemptions may apply in situations where:

• Additional dwelling unit is not being rented*;
• Additional dwelling unit is occupied by an immediate family member*; or
• Additional dwelling unit is not used as a separate residential unit*;
• Additional dwelling unit is decommissioned (removed with a Building Permit). 

*annual declaration will be required

How Charges are Calculated

Charges for additional dwelling units are calculated by:

• Applying per-unit rates for sewer and garbage services
• Adjusting water consumption tiers based on the total numbers of units
• Applying applicable meter-based water service charges

 When do Additional Charges Apply?

Additional dwelling units charges apply once:

• A unit is added through the building permit process or discovered

Charges may apply even if the unit is not currently occupied.

Changes to the Number of Units

Property owners are responsible for notifying the City if there are changes to their property such as the addition or removal of a dwelling unit or change in use of the dwelling unit.

Need Help?

If there are questions about how additional dwelling unit charges apply to a property, please contact User Rates.