This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot d1d9d318606a · verified 2026-06-08 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
VILLAGE OF EMPRESS
In the Province of Alberta
BYLAW NO: 2025-09
BEING
A
BYLAW
OF THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS,
IN THE PROVINCE
OF ALBERTA
IN
RESPECT
TO THE WATER UTILITY SYSTEM.
WHEREAS, pursuant to section 3 of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A.
2000, c.
M- 26, the purposes of a municipality are to provide services, facilities and
other things that
are necessary or desirable for all or a part of the municipality;
AND WHEREAS the Municipal Government Act (R.S.A. 2000, c. M-26)
authorizes a
municipality to operate a water system
as a public utility for the
purpose of supplying and
distributing water;
AND WHEREAS, pursuant to section 7(g) of the Municipal Government Act,
Village of
Empress Council may pass bylaws respecting public utilities;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Village of Empress duly assembled
hereby
enacts as follows:
1.
This Bylaw may be cited as the Water Service Bylaw of the Village of Empress. Where
the terms of this Bylaw conflict with the provisions of any other Bylaw of the Village
of Empress, this Bylaw shall prevail.
2.
DEFINITIONS
In this Bylaw unless the context otherwise requires:
a)
"Backflow" means
the reversal of flow of any water, wastewater, or any other liquid,
chemical, or substance back into the water works system.
b)
"Village" means the Municipal Corporation of Empress, or the area contained within the
boundary thereof, as the context requires.
c)
"Consumer" includes any person who has contracted with the Village for the purchase of
water from the water works system.
d)
"Cross Connection" means
any temporary, permanent or potential connection of any
piping, fixture, fitting, container, or appliance to the water works system which may allow
water, wastewater, or any other liquid, chemical, or substance to enter the water works
system.
This includes,
but
is not limited to, swivel or change over devices, removable
sections, jumper connections and bypass arrangements.
e)
"Cross connection control device" means a device or method that prevents backflow.
f)
g)
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
"Environmentally Inappropriate" when used to describe a use or flow of water means a use
or flow of water that results in a quantity of water.
(i)
soaking into the ground,
(ii)
entering the Village's domestic sewer system, or
(iii) escaping in any manner from the property upon which the use or flow of water
originates, more than the quantity required for a necessary or desirable domestic,
commercial, industrial or public purpose.
"CAO" means the Village employee holding the position of Chief Administrative Officer of
the Village of Empress and includes any other Village employee the CAO authorizes to
perform any duties or exercise any powers of the CAO as set out in this Bylaw.
h)
"Owner" means the person holding title to the property.
i)
j)
k)
"Testable cross connection control device" means a cross-connection control device which
is capable of being inspected and tested in accordance with the National Plumbing Code of
Canada 2010, as amended or replaced.
"Water Works System" means the water distribution system owned and operated by the
Village of Empress and all accessories and appurtenances thereto.
"Remote Reading Device" means any Village device connected to a water meter to provide
meter information and/or consumption information to the Village.
3.
ADMINISTRATION
- CONTROL
The CAO, subject to the control of Village Council, shall have charge of all
the various properties and works required for the supply of water to the Village and its
inhabitants.
a)
A person appointed as a bylaw enforcement officer, including any peace officer, RCMP or
special constable, or any other person appointed by the Village to enforce compliance with
this Bylaw has the authority to do any things and issue any charges, summons, tickets or
orders as may be necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Bylaw.
b)
The CAO may have the water shut off to the premises of any owner or consumer infringing
4.
any of the rules and regulations or amendments there to made by the Village.
EXTENSION OF MAINS
No extension of mains shall be constructed except as may be authorized from time to time by Village
Council.
5.
INTERRUPTIONS OF SERVICE
The CAO is hereby authorized to:
a)
A person appointed as a bylaw enforcement officer, including any peace officer,
RCMP or special constable, or any other person appointed by the Village
b)
Order that the water be shut off without notice for such length of time as may be
necessary to permit the construction or repairs to the water works system.
c)
In cases of fires or a conflagration, to shut off the water without notice in any part
of the Village as required. No consumer or consumers shall have a claim against the
Village for non-supply of water, whether it be caused by water stoppage pursuant
to this section or by frozen mains, breakdown of machinery, power interruptions or
6.
7.
8.
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
other mechanical failures or malfunction, unless such non-supply of water is shown
to be directly due to the negligence of the Village or its employees.
d)
No owner shall lend, sell or dispose of the water supplied
by the water works
system, or give away or permit the same to be taken or carried away or used or
apply it to the use or benefit of others or to any other than his, her or their own use
or benefit or shall increase the supply of water beyond that agreed for with the
Village.
e)
No owner or other person shall do or allow to be done any act or thing that results
in an environmentally inappropriate use or flow of water from the Village's Water
Works System, irrespective of whether the owner or other person is responsible to
pay
for
the
water
that
is
used
or allowed
to flow
in
an environmentally
inappropriate manner.
Damages
f)
In all cases where any pressure vessel or equipment is supplied with water from
g)
the water works system, the Village shall not be responsible for damage to such
vessel or equipment, person or premises when there is failure of the water supply
due to any cause whatsoever, even where no notice is given. No deduction from the
water bills shall be made in consequence thereof.
TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED USE OF WATER
Water restrictions in all or part of the Village may be set out during any period fixed by
Council by resolution and after one advertisement in the Oyen Echo, and/or notification on
water bills.
EMERGENCY RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS
a)
The
CAO
may at any üme make orders restricting the use of water either by all
consumers or by any class of consumers and either throughout the Village or in any area
or areas of the Village. The order may specify that such restricted use of water shall
apply during such hours of any day of the week as may be specified in the order.
b)
No person shall use any water from the water works system in contravention of the
terms of any order made by the CAO under this section.
c)
The CAO shall take such steps as deemed necessary to publicize the terms of an order
made pursuant to this and the preceding section.
WATER CHARGES
a)
A consumer supplied with water that is metered shall pay the Class "A" rates set out in
Section 1 of Schedule "A".
b)
Wherever lawn and garden standpipes are placed on premises, the said stand- pipes
shall be placed on the said premises not less than twelve feet from the property line
thereof.
(7
(7
9.
10.
11.
12.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
a)
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
c)
Separate lawn or garden services on vacant garden lots or built-on lots shall only be
permitted
if equipped with a water meter installed
in suitable pit
or box to be
constructed by the owner and conforming to Section 32 (Meter Chambers).
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF WATER
a)
No owner shall lend, sell or dispose of the water supplied by the water works system,
or give away or permit the same to be taken or carried away or used
b)
or apply it to the use or benefit of others or to any other than his, her or their own
c)
use or benefit or shall increase the supply of water beyond that agreed for with the
Village.
d)
No owner or other person shall do or allow to be done any act or thing that results in
an environmentally inappropriate use or flow of water from the Village's Water Works
System, irrespective of whether the owner or other person is responsible to pay for the
water that is used or allowed to flow in an environmentally inappropriate manner.
HYDRANTS AND VALVES
a)
No person shall open, close or interfere with any hydrant or valve of the water works
system without the permission of the CAO.
b)
The CAO may permit water to be taken from a hydrant during construction or otherwise,
provided that:
(i)
A deposit in the amount as set out in Schedule "A" is left with the CAO and a
Hydrant Permit is issued for a period of sixty (60) days.
(ii)
Hydrant Permits may be renewed under the initial deposit for additional sixty
(60) day periods upon advice to the Water Department. No deposit will
be
refunded on Hydrant Permits exceeding the sixty (60) day period.
(iii) Water taken from the hydrant may be measured by a meter supplied by the
CAO and shall be charged for at the rates set forth in this Bylaw.
(iv) Minimum charge for the use of a fire hydrant shall be set forth in Schedule "A".
SERVICE CONNECTIONS
- GENERAL
Normally, only one service connection per lot shall be permitted.
For lots other than single family residences, the CAO may authorize more than one service
connection.
The size of the service
shall
be determined
in accordance with the
provisions of the
Plumbing and Drainage regulations of the Department of Health of the Province of Alberta.
The service shall be run from the main to the property line in the shortest way possible.
When any building can be served from the street or avenue, the CAO may decide whether
the building will be supplied with water from the street or from the avenue.
NEW SERVICE LINES IN PRIVATE PROPERTY
The Water Department of the Village of Empress may, at the owner'srequest and expense,
install the water service from the property line to a building or a point designated by the
owner.
13.
a)
b)
c)
14.
15.
16.
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
APPLICATION FOR NEW SERVICE CONNECTIONS
Any person requiring water service from the water works system shall apply to the Village
office and request that his premises be connected to the said system. The owner or his
authorized agent at the time of making an application for a water service connection
is
required to pay to the Village, in advance, an amount equal to:
(ii)
the cost of the water service connection as determined by the CAO; or
(iii) the estimated cost of the water service connection as calculated by the CAO subject
to a refund or further payment depending on the actual cost when the work is
completed.
The owner or his authorized agent shall provide the CAO with a site plan on which the size
and location of the required services are shown. This applies to row housing, each four-suite
or larger apartment building and every commercial and industrial building.
The expense of installing any service connection to a sub-divided lot or a parcel of land, or
portions of same, shall be borne by the applicant.
PLUMBERS AND PLUMBING CONTRACTORS
All persons doing any work or service upon a private service or the plumbing system
attached thereto shall comply with the provisions of The Safety Codes Act R.S.A. 2000,
as may be amended from time to time, Chapter S-0.5, all regulations passed pursuant
thereto and any Bylaws of the Village applicable thereto.
NO UNAUTHORIZED TAPPING
No person without the prior authority from the CAO shall tap or make any connection or
communication whatsoever with any of the public mains in the streets,
avenues or in the lanes.
DISCONNECTION OF SERVICE
- SERVICE KILL
No permit for the demolition or removal of a building shall be issued by the Village nor shall
any person cause, permit or allow to be demolished or removed a building connected to a
water main until there has been paid to the Village the fee for disconnecting the Village
service at the water main as provided for in Schedule "A". Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the CAO may in circumstances which he considers appropriate, permit the service to remain
connected to the water main.
SERVICE CONNECTIONS
- MAINTENANCE
The Village shall
be
responsible for the maintenance of the water mains and
all the
connections from the main to the property line with the exception of those connections
18.
19.
20.
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
used for lawn services and private fire services and with the exception of those limitations
contained in paragraph 15.
INSTALLATION OF SERVICES
a)
The water service pipe from the main to the property line shall be of copper, cast iron, or
other material approved by the CAO and connected by fittings and materials approved by
the CAO, and such water service pipe shall be laid at least seven (7) feet below the surface
of the ground if in clay and nine (9) feet if in gravel at any point between the property line
and the house.
b)
There shall be placed on each water service pipe a corporation valve at or near the property
line, for the purpose of turning on the water supply or shutting it off. Over the corporation
valve there shall
be placed a metallic corporation valve box of approved pattern. The
downstream edge
of the
corporation
valve
so
placed
shall
be
the
limit
of Village
responsibility with respect to the installation.
c)
The main shut-off valve shall be located immediately inside the building
d)
Operation of Corporation Valve (Curb Stop)
No person shall in any way interfere with a corporation valve whether located on Village or
private property. Whenever water has
been turned
off,
no
person
who
is
not duly
authorized by the CAO shall turn it on again.
e)
The owner of the property shall be responsible for ensuring that the corporation valve (curb
stop) is always accessible and
not covered over by dirt,
grass,
landscaping, paving or
driveways and shall notify the Village should the cover become damaged, broken or lost.
f)
Curb stops that are inoperable due to damage or negligence by the property owner shall be
repaired or replaced at the property owner'sexpense.
g)
Booster Pumps
No person shall use any boosting device on any water service unless the use of the boosting
device has been approved by the CAO and the device is located on the downstream side of
a water meter.
h)
Branch Lines
No person shall install branch supply lines, outlets or fixtures on the upstream side of a
water meter or main shut-off valve.
APPLICATION FOR LARGER SERVICES FROM MAIN TO PROPERTY LINE
Any person wishing to have a larger service shall apply to the CAO and request that a larger
service be installed. The owner or his authorized agent shall sign the property application
form provided for that purpose and make the required deposit. If, in the opinion of the CAO,
the existing service is due for replacement, the applicant will be required after installation
to pay all the costs less his deposit for the difference in material costs between the new and
the existing pipe size.
If, in the opinion of the CAO, the existing service is in good condition,
the applicant will be required after installation to pay all the costs less his deposit for the
installation including surface restoration.
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE RENEWAL/REPAIR IN PRIVATE PROPERTY
21.
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
Any owner wishing the Village to renew/repair a service located in private property shall
apply to the Village and request that such installation be made. The owner or his authorized
agent shall sign:
a)
a declaration stating that he has not been able to get a plumbing contractor to do the work;
b)
the
proper application form and provide the deposit required by the
CAO. After the
installation is completed, he will have to pay the difference between his deposit and the
actual installation cost.
FROZEN SERVICES
a)
The Village shall not thaw a private service or plumbing system unless the consumer shall
first
have signed
an acknowledgement
recognizing
that thawing
may
be
inherently
dangerous to property including the private service or plumbing system and may cause
damage to electrical systems or the outbreak of fire and waiving any claim against the
Village for any such damage whatsoever except damage caused by the negligence of the
Village. The rate for this service is set out in Schedule
A
b)
Should the water service line be frozen on the Village side as well, or the village has not yet
issued a freezing water service line notice, the first service request will be waived. Customer
will be advised they will be required to leave a tap running to prevent further freeze-ups.
Subsequent calls thereafter will be charged to the customer at the rate set forth in Schedule
c)
If the consumer elects to leave a water tap open to prevent freeze-ups, regular water meter
charges will apply.
d)
Properties that freeze every year, will be advised when to turn their water on, and off, and
will have their bills adjusted to an average usage based on the previous billing period and
the previous year's same billing period.
SERVICE CALLOUTS
22.
a)
The Village of Empress, upon receiving a request for service to a water line will
make
arrangements to have a village employee attend to service the line. Rates for these services
are set out in schedule "A" Prior to the commencement of any work; the owner shall sign
an application for service and release of liability. Schedule "B"
b)
Should the problem be identified as originating on town property, the service fee shall be
waived, and arrangements shall be made to fix the line. Should the problem be identified
as originating on private property, Section 20 shall then apply.
23.
METERS
- GENERAL
a)
Except where otherwise provided in this Bylaw, all water supplied pursuant to this Bylaw
shall be measured by a meter ofa design and capacity approved by the CAO. Should a meter,
while on the property of the consumer, be damaged or destroyed, the cost of repairing or
replacing the meter, as provided for in Schedule "A", shall be paid by the consumer.
(i)
Subject to Clause (c)(iii), one meter will be supplied by the Village free of charge
to the consumer for each water service connection which is not a lawn service,
BYLAW 2025-09
éu)päc
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
fire protection service, or a meter measuring a combined flow of fire protection
and consumer demand.
(ii)
All water meters installed by the Village shall at all times be the property of the
Village.
(iii) Any metered water service in use before or after the enactment of this Bylaw
shall remain a metered water service.
(iv) No person, other than an employee of the Village or a person authorized
in
writing by the CAO, shall install, test, remove, repair, replace or disconnect a
water meter
(v)
Every Consumer shall allow the Village, including any of its employees, agents
or contractors, to enter on or in the Consumer's premises at all reasonable
times for the
purpose
of installing, testing, reading, removing, repairing,
replacing or disconnecting a water meter.
(vi) The CAO may direct that the water services to any Consumer be shut off if the
Consumer refuses to allow the Village access to the Consumer's premises for
the purpose of installing, testing, reading, removing, repairing,
replacing or
disconnecting a water meter.
(vii) Consumers shall immediately notify the CAO of any breakage, stoppage or
irregularity in a water meter.
(viii)
The Village
shall
not
be
responsible
for any damage to buildings,
or
property occasioned by or in the course of the installation, maintenance, repair
or disconnection of any water meter provided that reasonable care has been
taken
by the
employees or agents
of the Village
in
the
course
of such
installation, maintenance, repair or disconnection.
b)
If buildings or premises require two or more meters, the owner shall be billed separately
for water used through each meter.
c)
Meter Size
The size of the water meter shall be determined as follows:
(i)
If the internal diameter of the service is 25mm or less, a 16mm x 20mm meter
shall be used.
(ii)
Ifthe internal diameter of the service exceeds 25mm, the size of the meter shall
be one size smaller than the size of the service.
(iii) A 20mm or 25mm meter for a residential water service will be
supplied and
installed in premises by The Village at the request of the owner of the premises
and upon payment of the charge set out in Schedule "A".
(iv) Under no circumstances shall a meter larger in size than the water service be
supplied and installed.
(v)
If the service is a combined service (to supply water for fire protection as well
as water for other purposes), the internal diameter of the service branch to be
used for other purposes shall determine the meter size as set out
in Sub-
sections (i) and (ii) of this Section.
d)
Except where otherwise provided in this Bylaw, no owner or other person shall do or allow
to be done any act or thing that results in a use or flow of water from the Villagers Water
Works System that is not measured by a water meter of a design and capacity approved by
the CAO.
e)
24.
25.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
If the CAO becomes aware of any use or flow of water that is not measured by a water meter
of a design and capacity approved by the CAO and that does not fall within a specific
exception to the general requirement of water metering as set forth
in Sub-section (a) of
this Section, the CAO may take all necessary steps to stop that use or flow of water until:
(i)
a water meter has been installed pursuant to the provisions of this Bylaw;
and
(ii)
an application for water service has been made in accordance with the provisions
of this Bylaw.
PROTECTION OF METERS
A consumer is responsible for the safekeeping of the water meter and any remote reading
device that may be installed with the water meter on the consumer'sproperty. A consumer
shall protect the water meter and connecting valves and pipes from freezing, excessive heat,
overheating of water, external and internal damage of any kind or any other thing which
may affect the operation or reading of a water meter and shall pay the cost of repairing or
replacing any water metering facility supplied
and installed by the Village that may be
damaged from the foregoing causes or any other causes within the consumer'scontrol.
INSTALLATION RESPONSIBILITY
The main shut-off valve shall be located immediately inside the building.
The owner of every building shall make provision for the installation of meters as
required by the Village's water bylaw
Water meters shall be located at the point at which a water service pipe enters the premises
unless the CAO directs in writing that another location be used.
The owner of a building shall, at its expense ensure that the Village has access to all related
piping when a meter is installed.
If the owner of a commercial building requires two meters and there
is only one water
service, the cost of the second water meter shall be the responsibility of the owner.
It shall
be the owner'sresponsibility to provide such support for the meter as may be
required by the CAO.
Meters supplied by the Village being under 50mm in size shall be installed by the Village.
Meters 50mm and larger shall be supplied by the Village less flanges. Installation shall be
the responsibility of the consumer.
Remote Reading Devices
(i)
The Village shall supply and install a remote-reading device in all new premises at
no cost to the consumer.
(ii)
A remote-reading device must be installed in existing premises as determined by
the CAO.
(iii) Every water meter and remote-reading device shall be installed in a manner readily
accessible to employees and agents of the Village.
26.
27.
28.
a)
b)
c)
d)
29.
a)
b)
c)
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
(iv) All remote-reading devices supplied and installed by the Village shall at all times be
the property of the Village, notwithstanding the fact that a consumer may have paid
an installation fee or any other charge for having a remote-reading device installed.
RELOCATING METERS
If the CAO is dissatisfied with the location of any meter due to alterations to the building,
he may require that the meter be moved to a different location. Any expense in relocating
the meter shall be borne by the owner or occupier.
READING OF METERS
Every owner and occupier of premises connected to the water works system shall provide
free and convenient access to his premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of
reading meters. In the event that a meter reader employed by the Village is unable to obtain
access to the premises, the water consumption will be estimated. If no reading is obtained
at the end of the next billing period, the owner or occupier will be required to leave a key
at the office of the CAO or otherwise make suitable arrangements for regular bi-monthly
readings. If the owner or occupier fails to comply with the request of the Village, the water
service may be disconnected without further notice.
UNDERGROUND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Prior to installation,
the owner or his agent shall apply to the Village Office for a permit.
All residential and commercial lawn and garden sprinkler systems regardless of the size of
the service, must be metered.
All meters for
a sprinkler system shall require,
at the owner'sexpense,
a valve within
300mm on either side of the meter.
Any owner or occupier of property within the Village may purchase outright from the Village
a separate meter to measure water used for lawn or garden. The consumer is responsible
for any repairs to the said meter.
CROSS CONNECTIONS AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION
No person shall connect, cause to be connected, or allow to remain connected to the water
system any piping, fixture, fitting, container or appliance, in a manner which, under any
circumstances, may allow water, waste water or any other liquid, chemical or substance to
enter the water system.
For the purposes of preventing a cross connection as prohibited in Section 29(a), the CAO
may require any consumer to install a testable cross connection control device or devices.
At the time of installation and thereafter as required by the CAO, every consumer required
by any Act, regulation or code or by the CAO pursuant to Section 29 to install a testable
cross connection control device or devices shall:
ensure that the testable cross connection control device or devices installed
are inspected and tested; and
report the results of the inspection and testing on the form prescribed by
the CAO to the CAO within the time frame specified by the CAO
d)
e)
f)
g)
30.
31.
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
Every consumer required by the CAO pursuant to Section 29 to install a testable cross
connection control device or devices shall install only testable cross connection control
device or devices approved by the CAO.
Every consumer required by this Section to ensure that testable cross connection control
device or devices installed are inspected and tested shall ensure that only persons approved
by the CAO inspect and test the testable cross connection control device or devices.
In
approving persons to inspect and test cross connection control devices, the CAO may take
into consideration the following qualifications:
(i)
a certificate from an accredited organization as a Certified Backflow Prevenåon
Device Tester.
(ii)
a calibration certificate for test equipment.
(iii) another trade or professional qualification (e.g. Plumbing
Certificate,
Sprinkler
Fitter Certificate, etc.); and
(iv) liability insurance coverage.
If a consumer fails to have a testable cross connection control device or devices inspected
or tested or fails to report the results of the inspection or testing to the CAO:
(i)
the CAO may notify the consumer that the testable cross connection control device
or devices must be inspected and tested, and a test report must be submitted to
the CAO within the time frame specified by the CAO; and
(ii)
the Village may discontinue providing water service to the consumer until the
consumer has the testable cross connection control device or devices inspected and
tested and the consumer submits a report with results satisfactory to the CAO.
Every consumer shall display an up-to-date information record card issued by the CAO on
or immediately adjacent to the testable cross connection control device or devices.
For the purpose of
verifying that Section 29 is complied with, every consumer shall, at the request of the CAO
and within the time frame specified by the
CAO, provide such information as may be
reasonably required by the CAO, including information required by a survey on the form
prescribed by the CAO
For the purpose of
ensuring that Section 29 is complied with, the Village may carry out an inspection of any
land or structure.
a)
The CAO may issue a written order if the CAO believes, on reasonable and probable grounds,
that Section 29 is contravened. The written order shall be in a form prescribed by the CAO
and:
(i)
shall set out what the consumer is required to do or stop doing to comply with
Section 29;
(ii)
may direct the consumer to, without limitation, install, maintain, alter, repair or
replace or test a testable cross connection control device or devices and may
(iii) direct the site or sites at which the cross-connection control device or devices
shall be installed, maintained, altered, repaired, replaced or tested; and
(iv) shall set out a reasonable time within which the consumer must comply with
the written order.
b)
c)
d)
32.
a)
b)
33.
34.
35.
a)
b)
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
If a consumer to whom a written order is issued under Section 31 fails to comply with the
written order, the Village may discontinue providing water service to the consumer until the
consumer complies with the written order to the satisfaction of the CAO
If the Village has discontinued water service to a consumer under Section 31(b) or Section
no person shall cause the water service to be turned on without authorization of the
CAO.
Any costs or damages, direct, indirect or consequential, arising out of:
(i)
complying with any requirement under Section 29 or 31; or
(ii)
the discontinuance of water service to a consumer, including any costs or damages,
direct, indirect or consequential, arising out of the water service being turned on
again, shall be at the sole expense of the consumer.
METER CHAMBERS
Where meters cannot be contained in an existing building, the consumer shall supply, at his
own expense, an underground meter chamber which shall be approved by the CAO. The
meter chamber may be constructed by the Village and the consumer billed for the expense
incurred. For new buildings, meter chambers will only be allowed subject to approval of the
CAO.
Underground meter chambers shall be kept in good repair by the owner. If an owner, after
receiving notice from the CAO, neglects to repair or improve his meter chamber, then the
CAO shall cause the necessary repairs to be made and the owner shall be liable for the cost
of such repairs.
TAMPERING WITH METERS
No person shall tamper in any way with a meter or remote-reading device.
TESTING OF METERS
Whenever requested by a consumer, the meter shall be removed and tested. If, on testing,
it is found that the meter registers within three per cent (%) of the water passing through
same, the meter shall be deemed to be measuring correctly. If, however, the meter is found
to register a greater or lesser amount than said percentage, the CAO shall add or deduct
from the amount as registered by said meter such sum that the balance will properly
represent the water delivered through said meter for a period not exceeding six (6) months.
When a consumer requests a meter test and such meter is found to be within three per cent
(%) accurate, that consumer shall be billed at a rate as set out in Schedule "A". As a regular
maintenance service, meters shall be removed and tested by the Village without charge as
deemed appropriate by the CAO.
DETERMINING CONSUMPTION W HEN METER INOPERATIVE
When meters have failed to register, the following methods shall be used for determining
consumption.
If the same or similar conditions prevail, consumption shall be estimated on the basis of the
consumption during the same month in the preceding year.
If the same or similar conditions do not prevail, a fair estimate shall be set by the CAO.
c)
36.
38.
a)
b)
c)
d)
39.
a)
b)
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
The rates applied shall
be those in effect for that type of service during the months in
question in accordance with Schedule "A" attached hereto.
REMOVING METERS AND VILLAGE EQUIPMENT
When any owner discontinues the use of water services furnished by the Village or the
Village lawfully refuses to continue any longer to supply the same, the CAO, or any person
authorized by him may at all reasonable times, enter the premises in or upon which such
owner was supplied with water services and may remove meters, pipes or other things that
are the property of the Village.
TEMPORARY USE OF WATER PRIOR TO METER INSTALLATION
When any owner or contractor requires water during construction prior to a water meter
being installed, the CAO may permit a temporary use of water provided that a deposit in an
amount as set out in Schedule "A" is left with the CAO and a Temporary Water Use Permit
will be issued by the Water Department. Water supplied pursuant to a Temporary Water
Use Permit will be charged at the Class "B" rate set out in Section 2 of Schedule "A".
WATER SERVICE DISCONNECTIONS
A consumer wishing
to discontinue
a water service
shall
advise
the
Utilities Billing
Department and sign off.
Any consumer requesting a temporary disconnect for water shall pay a service charge for
such disconnection and a further service charge for the reconnection, both in the amounts
set out in Schedule "A".
Any consumer requesting a temporary disconnect for water due to an emergency such as a
water break or major leak between the town shut off and the water meter shall pay a service
charge for such disconnection and a further service charge for the reconnection, both in the
amounts set out in Schedule "A".
Appointments for connections and disconnections requests shall
be made at the town
office.
APPLICATION FOR WATER SERVICE
Contract for Water Services
Any property desiring to be supplied with water service by the Village shall sign require an
application by the owner on a form provided by the Village office and payment of the fee
set out in Schedule "A". The said application when accepted by the CAO, shall be a contract
between such person and the Village by which said person agrees to be bound by all the
provisions of this Bylaw or any other Bylaw or regulations of the Village in connection with
the supply
of water
by the Village
to
such
person. The
said
contract
shall
not
be
transferrable.
A person who has contracted with the Village to receive and pay for a supply of water from
the Village's Water Works System is deemed to have contracted to receive water that is
measured by, and billed on the basis of, a water meter, irrespective of whether the person
contracted to receive and pay for a water supply on some other basis
at the time the
contract was made.
40.
c)
d)
41.
a)
b)
c)
42.
43.
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
COLLECTION
All charges and rates payable under this Bylaw shall be paid to the Village office and the
collection of all disbursements connected with the operation of the water works and
supervision of books of accounts shall be under the immediate control and direction of the
CAO.
The Utilities Department shall be promptly notified of all connections made or permits
granted or of any discontinuance of water service so that the proper charges or allowances
may be made against or to any person or persons liable to pay for the water consumed or
who is entitled to a refund where the supply of water is discontinued.
WATER RATES
Accounts for water service shall be forwarded bi-monthly to the consumer and shall be
payable at the Village office and such other places as may be designated by the CAO.
Forwarding Accounts Accounts shall be deemed to be sufficiently forwarded if they are left
on the property or if they are mailed by ordinary mail to the consumer at the municipal
address of the property.
Water rates shall be set out in schedule
A
PENALTY
As set out in Schedule
A
ENFORCING PAYMENT
44.
a)
The CAO may order that the water service to any consumer be shut off if the water account
is not paid within 30 days of being posted to the consumer
b)
When the consumer's
water supply is disconnected for non-payment:
1.
The consumer shall pay the disconnect service charge set out in Schedule
A
2.
If the consumer requests that the consumers water supply be reconnected, the
consumer shall pay the reconnection service charge set out in Schedule
A
APPOINTMENTCANCELLATIONS
If an appointment is scheduled for the CAO or any other employee or agent of the Village
to attend at the premises of an owner with respect to any matter relating to this Bylaw, the
owner shall pay the charge set out in Schedule "A" in the event that he
fails to attend at the premises at the appointed time.
45.
46.
47.
BYLAW 2025-09
VILLAGE OF
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
OFFENCES, PENALTIES AND VIOLATION TAG PROCEDURE
a)
A person who contravenes any provision of this Bylaw by doing any act or thing that
is prohibited, or by failing to do any act or thing that is required, is guilty of an
offence and liable upon summary conviction:
1.
to pay a fine of not less than $100.00 and not more than $2,500.00; or
2.
to be imprisoned for a period of not less than three days in default of
payment of the fine within the time for payment allowed by the Court.
b)
An Enforcement Officer appointed under Section
3 of this Bylaw may, in lieu of
serving court process under the Provincial Offences Procedure Act for an alleged
contravention
of this
Bylaw,
serve upon the alleged offender
a tag
in
a form
prescribed by the Village's CAO, specifying the nature of the alleged contravention
and stating that the Village will accept payment of $100.00 at the Village office
within seven days of the date of service of the tag, in lieu of prosecution.
SEVERANCE
It is the intention of Village Council that if any provision of this Bylaw is declared invalid for
any reason by a Court of competent jurisdiction, then all other provisions of this Bylaw shall
remain valid and enforceable.
Bylaw No. 2025-09 and any amendments are hereby repealed.
48.
(7
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
This Bylaw comes into effect upon third reading.
READ A FIRST TIME in open Council this 18th day of June 2025
READ A SECOND TIME in open Council this 18th day of June 2025
Consensus FOR Third Reading.
READ A THIRD TIME in open Council this 18th day of June 2025
RESCIND BYLAW 2020-07 BEING THE WATER BYLAW
Ma o
CAO
1.
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
SCHEDULE "A" TO BYLAW NO. 7-2020
(Effective June 18, 2025)
THE WATER SERVICE BYLAW OF THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS
CLASS "A" RATES FOR METERED SERVICES (OTHER THAN WATER TOWER):
Base Charge
Per cubic meter
Unmetered per 2 month billing period
Water Meter and back plate
2.
CLASS "B"TEMPORARY USE RATE:
DESCRIPTION
De
osit
Per month
$80.00
$2.05/m3
$200.00
At cost
300.00
150.00
3.
CLASS 't" INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL CHARGE FOR SEASONAL METER INSTALLATION:
DESCRIPTION
15mm
20mm
25mm
32mm
38mm
5 8"
Service
3 4"
Service
1" Service
11 4"
Service
1 h" Service
$100.00
$100.00
100.00
$125.00
125.00
3.1
CLASS "D"
SERVICE TO PROPERTY FOR GARDEN OR LAWN SPRINKLERS
Seasonal disconnect or reconnect fee
4.
CLASS
E
WATER RESERVOIR RATE
Per cubic meter
$50.00
$ 5.60
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
Per cubic meter
5.
MISCELLANEOUS FEES, RATES AND CHARGES
BYLAW
10b
i
10b
v
16
20
21 & 22
DESCRIPTION
De ositfor use of h drant
Minimum char e for use of h drant
Disconnection of service*
Service Line Re
air Re lacement
Thawin
frozen service & Service Callout
er hour
BYLAW 2025-09
$ 5.60
$ 455.00
$ 200.00
at cost
At cost
$
75.00
23 a
23
23
23
Meter re
air or re
lacement costs for meters shall be billed at cost of labour and materials
23 d
Ill
d
23 d
Ill
23 d
Ill
iii
d
iii
d
iii
34
38 b
38 b
38(c)
38(c)
39
42
43
43
44
b
1
15mm 20mm & 25mm water meter initial installation
15mm 20mm & 25mm water meter re
lacement
32mm & 38mm water meter initial installation
32mm & 38mm water meter re
lacement
Over 38mm water meter initial installation
Over 38mm water meter re
lacement
Dis
ute Meter Test Commercial*
*
Disconnection of Service* **
Reconnection of Service* **
Disconnection of Service* **
Reconnection of Service* **
Application Fee
Penalt
Disconnection of Service* **
Reconnection of Service* **
Non attendance after appointment has been scheduled
$ 75.00
$ 150.00
$ 160.00
$ 125.00
$ 200.00
at cost
$ 75.00
$ 75.00
$ 75.00
$ 75.00
$ 30.00
7% bimonthl
$ 75.00
$ 75.00
$ 75.00
*Total cost of digging up any service to disconnect will be charged to homeowner
** Meters are tested by a third party, and the fee shall be the cost of the third party test plus
shipping, if applicable.
*** Emergency after hours, holidays, weekends and evenings shall be 1 h times the rates listed.
NOTE:
WHEREVER APPLICABLE, THE GOODS AND SERVICES TAX SHALL BE ADDED TO THE FEES,
RATES, CHARGES OR OTHER AMOUNTS PAYABLE TO THE VILLAGE
(owner/tenant)
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
Schedule
B
BYLAW #2025-09
Village of Empress
WORK ORDER & CONSENT
of the property at
(street address)
do hereby request the Village of Empress to dispatch work crews to restore my water/sewer
service.
I hereby agree to pay to the Village of Empress, on demand, all charges levied by the Village of
Empress for labour, equipment, and materials pursuant to Bylaw #2025-02 Service fees bylaw
and as employed by the Village in the execution of this Work Order.
Further, I hereby forever release and covenant to hold harmless the Corporation of the Village of
Empress and its employees, agents, and contractors from any and all claims or rights of action
for any damages or recovery of expenses arising out of the execution of this Work Order.
Date:
Owner/Occupier's Signature
For office use:
Labour: Name
Name
Equipment: Type
Type
Type
Material: Description
start
start
Signed on behalf of the Village of Empress
finish
finish
hours
hours
hours
quantity
Description
Description
BYLAW 2025-09
THE VILLAGE OF EMPRESS WATER BYLAW
quantity
quantity