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City of Coquitlam
BYLAW
Consolidated January 2026
File #: 09-3900-20/4429/1 Doc #: 2148367.v12
BYLAW NO. 4429, 2015
Consolidated with amendments in Bylaw No. (1) 4637, 2015; (2) 4732, 2016; (3) 4826, 2017; (4)
4938, 2018; (5) 5022, 2019; (6) 5088, 2020; (7) 5101, 2021; (8) 5179, 2021; (9) 5198, 2022;
(10) 5283, 2022; (11) 5363, 2023; (12) 5425, 2024; (13) 5459, 2025; (14) 5487, 2025
NOTE: This is a consolidation for convenience purposes only and does not have the force of law.
A bylaw to provide for the establishment and use of a sewer and drainage system within the
City of Coquitlam
WHEREAS:
A. Council for the City of Coquitlam ("Council") considers it desirable to establish and maintain a
sewer system within the City;
B. Council considers it desirable to establish and maintain a drainage system within the City;
C. Council considers it necessary to charge a sewer fee to maintain the sewer system; and
D. Pursuant to the Community Charter, S.B.C. 2003, c. 26 (the "Community Charter"), Council
may, by bylaw, regulate, prohibit and impose requirements in relation to municipal services,
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Coquitlam, in open meeting lawfully assembled,
ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
1. Name of Bylaw
This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "Sewer and Drainage Bylaw No. 4429, 2015."
2. Definitions
In this Bylaw, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words have the following
meanings:
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT means a residential dwelling unit ancillary and typically
subordinate to the principal dwelling unit(s) on the lot; which has not been subdivided
from the principal dwelling unit(s) under the provisions of either the Land Title Act or the
Strata Property Act; and which meets all applicable regulations contained within the City
of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw No. 3000, 1996; but does not include a lock-off unit;
APPROVAL means the written approval of the Engineer for the works and services applied
for by the owner, any may be in any form deemed acceptable by the Engineer;
CITY means the City of Coquitlam;
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CONNECTION means:
i.
the physical connection between the drainage service and the private
drainage system, or
ii.
the physical connection between the sewer service and the private sewer
system;
COUNCIL means Council for the City;
CROSS CONNECTION means any actual or potential connection between any of the sewer
system, drainage system or water system;
DRAINAGE means water, including without limitation storm run-off, but excluding waste
and sewage; which is discharged into or otherwise enters the drainage system;
DRAINAGE SERVICE means the valves, pipes, meters, and all other devices comprising or
relating to a connection between the drainage system and private property;
DRAINAGE SYSTEM includes all of the mains, pipes, valves, controls, devices, fittings,
meters, catch basins, inlets, outlets, ditches, watercourses and all other items owned or
controlled by the City or the Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District used for the
collecting, impounding conveying and discharge of drainage;
ENGINEER means the General Manager of Engineering and Public Works or his or her
designate;
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT means the Environmental Management Act, S.B.C.
2003, c. 53 and the regulations thereto, as amended or replaced from time to time;
FAT, OIL AND GREASE means "fat, oil and grease" as defined in the Grease Interceptor
Bylaw;
FEES AND CHARGES BYLAW means the annual Fees and Charges Bylaw adopted by the City,
as amended or replaced from time to time;
FLAT RATE means a fixed charge payable for the use of the sewer system, that does not
vary with the volume of sewage discharged;
FOOD SECTOR ESTABLISHMENT means "food sector establishment" as defined in the
Grease Interceptor Bylaw;
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GREASE INTERCEPTOR means "grease Interceptor" as defined in the Grease Interceptor
Bylaw;
GREASE INTERCEPTOR BYLAW means the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage
District Food Sector Grease Interceptor Bylaw No. 268, 2012 as amended or replaced from
time to time;
GROUNDWATER means water originating from a subsurface source;
GVS&DD BYLAW means the "Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District Use Bylaw
No. 299, 2007" enacted by the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District
pursuant to the Environmental Management Act and the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and
Drainage District Act, as amended or replaced from time to time;
INSPECTION CHAMBER means a vertical pipe located at, or near the property line, at the
connection between the drainage service and the private drainage system, or the sewer
service and the private sewer system, and extends to the surface and includes a valve box
approved by the City;
LOCK-OFF UNIT means an accessory dwelling unit contained within a strata-titled dwelling
unit in an apartment;
METERED SERVICE means a sewer service for which a metered sewer rate is applied;
METERED SEWER RATE means a charge that varies with the volume of water delivered to
the property or, with the volume of discharge to the sewer system;
NEW SERVICE means the installation of a new drainage service or new sewer service, where
one does not exist or where the existing service does not meet the size, location or
elevation needs of the development;
OWNER means "owner" as defined in the Community Charter, and includes an agent
authorized in writing by the owner to act on their behalf;
PARCEL has the same meaning as "parcel" as defined in the Community Charter;
PERMANENT CAP means a disconnection of the existing drainage service or sewer service at
the main where the existing service is to be abandoned and a new service to the property
provided;
PRIVATE DRAINAGE SYSTEM means:
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i.
the valves, pipes, and other devices providing for the discharge of drainage
between the inspection chamber and the buildings or other improvements
located on private property regardless of whether the inspection chamber
is located on private property or property owned by or vested in the City; or
ii.
if there is no inspection chamber, the valves, pipes and other devices
providing for the discharge of drainage between the property line and the
buildings or other improvements;
PRIVATE SEWER SYSTEM means:
i.
the valves, pipes, and other devices providing for the discharge of sewage
between the inspection chamber and the buildings or other improvements
located on private property regardless of whether the inspection chamber
is located on private property or property owned by or vested in the City; or
ii.
if there is no inspection chamber, the valves, pipes and other devices
providing for the discharge of sewage between the property line and the
buildings or other improvements;
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER means a person registered with the Association of Professional
Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia;
PROHIBITED WASTE means "prohibited waste" as defined in the GVS&DD Bylaw;
RENEWAL SERVICE means the replacement of the existing drainage service or sewer service
in approximately the same location as the existing drainage service or sewer service;
RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNIT means a self-contained building, or portion of a building,
used for residential accommodation, and includes a manufactured home and a mobile
home;
RESTRICTED WASTE means "restricted waste" as defined in the GVS&DD Bylaw;
SEWAGE means "domestic sewage" as that term is used in the Environmental
Management Act, and includes human excreta and waterborne waste from the
preparation and consumption of food and drink, dishwashing, bathing, showering, and
general household cleaning and laundry;
SEWER SERVICE means the cleanout wye, fittings, pipes, and all other devices comprising a
connection between mains the sewer system and the private sewer system;
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SEWER SYSTEM includes all of the mains, pipes, valves, controls, devices, fittings, meters
and other items owned or controlled by the City or the Greater Vancouver Sewerage &
Drainage District used for the collection, storage, treatment, conveyance, use, discharge
and disposal of sewage;
SMALL-SCALE RESIDENTIAL means a residential use comprising one or more residential
dwelling units on a lot in attached, detached or semi-detached building forms and which
meets all applicable regulations contained within the City of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw No.
3000, 1996, but does not include a lock-off unit, townhouse or apartment;
STORM RUN-OFF means water on the surface of land resulting from natural precipitation
or snow melt;
TEMPORARY CAP means a cap on the existing drainage service or sewer service at, or near,
property line that will be removed when the drainage service or sewer service is
reconnected;
WASTE includes all "waste" as defined in the Environmental Management Act;
WATER SYSTEM includes all of the mains, pipes, taps, valves, control devices, fittings,
meters and other items owned or controlled by the City or the Greater Vancouver Water
District required for the collection, storage, transmission and distribution of potable
water;
WORKS AND SERVICES means any alteration to the sewer system or drainage system and
includes a new service, a renewal service, a temporary cap, a permanent cap, the
installation of a meter, a connection to the sewer system or drainage system, a
disconnection from the sewer system or drainage, or any other activity requiring approval
from the Engineer or the City and any inspections of the sewer system or drainage system.
3. Establishment and Operation
3.1
The sewer system and drainage system are hereby confirmed as the systems to collect,
convey and dispose of sewage and drainage from land and real property in the City and
adjacent localities as provided and authorized by the Community Charter and other
applicable legislation.
3.2
The sewer system and drainage system may be altered or extended, from time to time in
accordance with designs approved by the Engineer, to meet the needs of the inhabitants
of the City and, with requisite approvals, adjacent localities.
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3.3
Nothing in this Bylaw shall be interpreted to mean that the City gives any assurance to
any person with respect to the capacity or continuance of sewage or drainage collection,
conveyance or disposal by way of the sewer system or drainage system respectively.
3.4
This Bylaw sets out the terms under which the sewer system and drainage system shall be
used.
4. Powers and Duties of the Engineer
4.1
The Engineer is granted the authority for the design, operation, maintenance, repair,
improvement and extension of the sewer system and the drainage system and all works
and services shall be under the supervision and control of the Engineer.
4.2
If the Engineer determines that an emergency exists, the Engineer may issue such
directions, and take such steps as the Engineer determines are necessary for the
protection of the health and safety of the residents of the City, the protection of the
environment, or the protection of the sewer system or drainage system, and all owners and
users of the sewer system or drainage system shall comply with such orders and directions.
4.3
The Engineer may require that any owner of real property:
4.3.1
connect buildings, fixtures or other improvements on their property to the sewer
system in a manner specified by the Engineer;
4.3.2
connect building, fixtures or other improvements on their property to the
drainage system in a manner specified by the Engineer;
4.3.3
undertake any works and services set out in this Bylaw.
4.4
The Engineer may enter onto any real property to enforce the provisions of this Bylaw.
4.5
If an owner fails to take any action required under this Bylaw, including undertaking any
works and services required to be done under the provisions of this Bylaw, the Engineer
may enter on to the real property of that owner and fulfill the requirement.
4.6
If the Engineer takes action pursuant to section 4.5 of this Bylaw, the Engineer may fulfill
the requirement at the expense of the owner and recover the costs incurred as a debt, and
may cause the debt to be collected in the same manner and with the same remedies as
property taxes.
4.7
Where authority is given to the City or the Engineer by this Bylaw to take any action, or to
do or cause to be done any work with respect to the sewer system or sewer service, or the
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drainage system or drainage service, nothing in this Bylaw shall be interpreted to mean
that the City or the Engineer has any duty to take such action.
5. Works and Services
5.1
No person shall cause, allow or permit any works and service which may affect the sewer
system or drainage system, without first obtaining approval.
5.2
An owner may apply for approval for works and services by submitting to the City:
5.2.1
a completed written application in the form approved by the Engineer, stating the
location of the property and the works and services being requested, and:
5.2.1.1
if the requested approval is for installation of a sewer service or
drainage service, the expected characteristics of the discharge, the
requested size, volume, discharge pattern and location of the sewer
service or drainage service and other details as required by the Engineer;
5.2.1.2
if the requested approval is for disconnection from or maintenance,
repair or improvement to the sewer system or drainage system, the size
and location of the sewer service or drainage service, the reason for the
disconnection, maintenance, repair or improvement, the requested
date of the works and services, and other details are required by the
Engineer; or
5.2.1.3
if the requested approval is for works and services not specifically
mentioned, any details required by the Engineer; and
5.2.2
the fees set out or referenced in the Fees and Charges Bylaw.
5.3
The Engineer may waive some or all of the submission requirement under section 5.2.1 if
he or she determines that the nature and complexity of the proposed works and services is
adequately described without reference to them.
5.4
The Engineer may refuse to issue an approval for works and services if:
5.4.1
the content or quality of the sewage discharged or expected to be discharged into
the sewer system is contrary to any City bylaw or other applicable law;
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5.4.2
in the opinion of the Engineer, the sewage system or drainage system has
insufficient capacity for the intended or expected discharge of sewage or
drainage; or
5.4.3
in the opinion of the Engineer, the works and services would pose a risk to the
proper operation of the sewer system or the draining system, cause damage to the
sewer system or drainage system, damage the environment, pose risk to public
health, safety or wellbeing, or otherwise be contrary to public interest.
5.5
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, as a condition of an approval or in
connection with a building permit application, the Engineer may require an owner to, at
their own expense, install a renewal service if, in the opinion of the Engineer, the sewer
service or drainage service is in need of replacement.
5.6
Any works or services which have received approval from the Engineer must be undertaken
by the City, and may be undertaken by others only with the prior approval of the Engineer.
5.7
Any person who has received approval for persons other than those employed or
otherwise engaged by the City to undertake works and services must ensure that those
works and services are undertaken in compliance with all terms and conditions,
specifications, designs and requirements provided by, or approved by, the Engineer.
5.8
Prior to issuing an approval, the Engineer may require that specifications and drawings be
prepared and sealed by a Professional Engineer at the expense of the owner, and specify
that all work must be carried out by the City or under the supervision and inspection of
the Engineer or a Professional Engineer.
5.9
If the City undertakes, or causes to be undertaken, works and services referred to in this
Bylaw then the costs of such work, including all costs of engineering services and
supervision, shall be payable by the owner.
5.10
If, in the estimate of the Engineer, the value of any work to be undertaken to the sewer
system or drainage system, including all restoration of the City lands or rights of way,
exceeds the applicable fees as set out or referenced in Fees and Charges Bylaw, then, as a
condition of approval the owner shall pay in full the amount of the estimate of the
Engineer for the value of works and services.
5.11
The owner shall supply and install all fittings, fixtures, piping and other equipment
required to complete a private sewer system and private drainage system.
5.12
The Engineer may require an owner to install an inspection chamber to any sewer service or
drainage service.
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5.13
An owner shall be deemed to own:
5.13.1
any inspection chamber;
5.13.2 the private sewer system; and
5.13.3
the private drainage system.
5.14
The City shall be deemed to own all of the pipes, facilities and equipment located on, in, or
under the real property owned by or vested in the City, except for those that are owned by
an owner pursuant to section 5.13.
6. Interruption of Service
6.1
The Engineer may interrupt or discontinue the collection of sewage or drainage from any
property, or from any sewer service or drainage service:
6.1.1
at any time, and from time to time, as the Engineer determines is required to
protect, repair, operate, extend or maintain the sewer system or drainage system,
or to protect public health or safety; or
6.1.2
upon reasonable notice in writing to the each registered owner of the property if:
6.1.2.1
the sewer system or drainage system is being used contrary to this or
any other applicable City bylaw or other law;
6.1.2.2
any portion of the sewer service or drainage service is malfunctioning, or
incorrectly installed, or creating a nuisance to others; or
6.1.2.3
if there is an unauthorized sewer service or drainage service, or
additions or alterations of those services which have been installed
without the approval of the Engineer.
6.2
If the Engineer discontinues the collection of sewage or drainage from any property
pursuant to section 6.1.2 of this Bylaw, the owner of that property may, within fourteen
(14) days of notice of the discontinuance being sent, make written representations to
Council, requesting that the service be continued.
6.3
If any cross connection is installed or created the owner shall, upon notice from the
Engineer, immediately, or as directed by the Engineer, take steps as directed to cease and
eliminate the cross connection.
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7. Responsibilities of Users
7.1
No person shall, without prior written approval of the Engineer, interfere in any way with
the sewer system or drainage system, any part of the sewer system or drainage system, or
any inspection chamber, valve, flap, gate, pipe, culvert, pump station or other sewer system
or drainage system appliance.
7.2
No person shall, without the prior written approval of the Engineer, cause, allow or permit
any change to any sewer service or drainage service, the installation or removal of a sewer
service or drainage service, or alter, install or remove any measuring device.
7.3
Every owner shall operate and maintain the private sewer system and private drainage
system, including the inspection chamber, serving their property in good working
condition.
7.4
Every owner, in relation to a private sewer system on their property, shall prevent:
7.4.1
the discharge of ground water or storm run-off into the sewer system;
7.4.2
damage or threat of damage to the sewer system or interference or threat of
interference with the usual and intended operation of the sewer system;
7.4.3
the discharge of sewage into the environment;
7.4.4
any cross connection; and
7.4.5
any threat to public health arising from the operation, maintenance or condition
of any sewer service, inspection chamber, service pipe, valve, fixture or related
device.
7.5
Every owner, in relation to a private drainage system on their property, shall prevent:
7.5.1
the discharge of waste or sewage into the drainage system;
7.5.2
damage or threat of damage to the drainage system or interference or threat of
Interference with the usual and intended operation of the drainage system;
7.5.3
any cross connection; and
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7.5.4
any threat to public health arising from the operation, maintenance or condition
of any drainage service, inspection chamber, service pipe, valve, fixture or related
device.
7.6
Every owner shall at all times keep the sewer service and drainage service devices, including
any inspection chamber, control devices, valves, manholes, accessible for use, inspection,
maintenance and repair.
7.7
If at any time the Engineer determines that insufficient access is available to any part of
the sewer system or drainage system, including any part of a private sewer system or private
drainage system, then the owner shall, on reasonable notice to the owner, do all necessary
work required to provide access.
7.8
If the owner fails to do the work required under section 7.7 in the time required by the
Engineer, then the Engineer may enter the property to do such work, or retain others to do
the work and the owner shall pay for all costs incurred by the Engineer, as a charge under
this Bylaw, and the provisions of the Works and Services section of this Bylaw shall apply.
7.9
No person shall discharge or permit to be discharged into the sewer system or drainage
system any material that could accumulate in or form a blockage in the sewer system or
drainage system or any sewer service or drainage service, or damage the sewer system or
drainage system, any sewer service or drainage service, or the environment.
7.10
No owner shall cause, allow or permit sewage to be drained, discharged or disposed of in
any manner other than through the sewer system in accordance with the requirements of
this Bylaw, the Environmental Management Act, the Public Health Act, S.B.C. 2008, c. 28, as
amended or replaced from time to time, and all other applicable laws and City Bylaws.
7.11
No owner shall, without the prior written approval of the Engineer, make any significant
change to the volume, waste characteristics, or discharge pattern of sewage or drainage
discharged through a sewer service or drainage service and the Engineer may require the
owner to provide full design and construction details, prepared and sealed by a
Professional Engineer as a condition of approval.
7.12
Every owner shall notify the Engineer forthwith of any partial or total loss of sewer system
or drainage system service, the existence of any cross connection, and any other partial or
total sewer system or drainage system failure, of which such person becomes aware.
7.13
In the event of any partial or total sewer system or drainage system failure, every owner
and other user shall take all reasonable steps to mitigate loss and damage including
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without limitation reducing or discontinuing use of the sewer system or drainage system to
the extent possible and installing reasonable works to mitigate damage and loss.
7.14
In the event of pollution or discharge of waste on a property, the owner and other users of
the property shall take all reasonable steps to prevent entry of pollution or waste into the
drainage system.
7.15
In the event of an escape of drainage from the drainage system or a drainage service, every
owner and other user of the drainage system shall take all reasonable steps to minimize
damage.
7.16
In the event of an escape of sewage from the sewer system or a sewer service, every owner
and other user of the sewer system shall take all reasonable steps to minimize damage.
7.17
In the event of a blockage of the private sewer system, sewer service, private drainage
system, or drainage service, every owner will take all reasonable steps to determine the
nature of the blockage and clear the blockage through rodding and flushing and, if the
blockage is found within the sewer system or drainage system, through video supplied by
the owner or through field observations, the owner will notify the City immediately. Costs
associated with the investigation or repair of the blockage will only be the responsibility
of the City where, in the opinion of the Engineer, the City is responsible for the blockage.
7.18
Every owner of property served by the sewer system or drainage system, or connected to a
sewer service or drainage service shall at all times permit the Engineer and other
representatives and agents of the City, including without limitation contractors retained
or appointed by the Engineer, to access the property for the purpose of:
7.18.1
inspecting any sewer service or private sewer system, located on, in or under the
property;
7.18.2
inspecting any drainage service, or private drainage system, located on, in or under
the property;
7.18.3
enforcing this Bylaw;
7.18.4 preventing the discharge of any prohibited material, ground water or waste into
the drainage system or the environment;
7.18.5
preventing the escape of sewage from the sewer system; and
7.18.6
undertaking any inspections or other works considered necessary by the Engineer.
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8. Food Sector Establishment Grease Management
8.1
Restriction
No person responsible for a food sector establishment, including an operator, property
owner, agent or contractor, shall discharge or suffer, allow, cause or permit fat, oil or
grease to be discharged into a sanitary sewer or drainage system within the City.
8.2
Inspection and Maintenance
8.2.1
The General Manager of Engineering & Public Works, an employee of the City
acting under his or her direction or a bylaw enforcement Officer may enter on and
into a property to inspect, investigate and determine whether all provisions and
regulations under Part Eight of this bylaw are being met.
8.2.2
The Operator, agent or contractor of a food sector establishment must maintain
and repair all grease interceptors, according to established schedules and
standards provided by the manufacturer, so that they are fully operational and
effective at all times.
8.2.3
At least one (1) person among the operator, property owner, agent or contractor
responsible for the operation of a food sector establishment at any given time is
required to have the knowledge, ability and tools to open and provide access to a
grease interceptor, upon request, during inspection and investigation by a bylaw
enforcement officer or City employee under section 8.2.1 of this bylaw.
8.2.4
The Operator of a food sector establishment must keep and maintain on site, all
maintenance records, for a minimum period of two (2) years, of all grease
interceptor inspections and maintenance conducted, recording the date of the
inspection, the date of cleaning or maintenance, the type and quantity of material
removed from the grease interceptor and the disposal location and address, which
must be available, upon request for inspection and investigation by a bylaw
enforcement officer or City employee under section 8.2.1 of this bylaw.
8.2.5
The maximum depth of fat, oil or grease which an operator of a food sector
establishment may allow to accumulate in a grease interceptor prior to servicing
must not exceed the lesser of 15.2 cm (six inches) or 25% of the wetted height of
the grease interceptor.
8.2.6
Each grease interceptor within a food sector establishment must have a visible
label that shows its rated flow capacity or documents from the manufacturer that
state its rated flow capacity must be kept at the food sector establishment. The
documentation must be available for viewing, upon request, by a bylaw
enforcement officer or City employee during an inspection or investigation under
section 8.2.1 of this bylaw.
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8.2.7
No person shall use enzymes, solvents, hot water or other agents in order to
facilitate the passage of fat, oil or grease through a grease interceptor.
8.2.8
All food sector establishments shall implement best management practices in its
operation to minimize the discharge of fat, oil or grease into a sanitary Sewer or
drainage system within the City.
9. Prohibited and Restricted Waste
9.1
Without limiting any other section of this Bylaw, no owner shall cause, allow or permit to
be discharged into the sewer system;
9.1.1
prohibited waste;
9.1.2
restricted waste;
9.1.3
water or any other substance for the purpose of diluting any non-domestic waste
discharge into the sewer system to meet acceptable tolerance standards within
this Bylaw;
9.1.4
anything in a concentration of quantity which may be or may become a health or
safety hazard to any person operating or maintaining the sewer system or which
may cause damage or interfere with the proper operation of the sewer system.
9.2
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Bylaw, a person may discharge restricted
waste into the sewer system if that person has a current and valid permit in writing from
the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District and the restricted waste
discharged in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit.
10.
Rates and Payment
10.1
An owner of a parcel served by a sewer service shall pay the rates set out in Schedule "A",
on the dates and according to the terms as set out in Schedule "A".
10.2
The following shall apply to a metered service:
10.2.1
Subject to the provisions of this section, any meter reading taken by the Engineer
of the volume of water delivered to a parcel shall be deemed to be an accurate
measurement of the volume of sewage discharged from that parcel to the sewer
system for purposes of calculating the metered sewer rates due from the owner to
the City.
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10.2.2
An owner may apply to the Engineer for a reduced metered sewer rate for any year
during which the volume of the sewage discharged to the sewer system from a
parcel is significantly less than the volume of water delivered that parcel.
10.2.3
An application under section 10.2.2 must be delivered to the Engineer within a
three month period following the year during which the above circumstances
apply. Any adjustment to previous billing by reason of approved charges to
metered sewer rate shall be allowed during the current billing period.
10.2.4
If an application under section 10.2.2 establishes to the satisfaction of the
Engineer that the volume of the sewage discharged from a specific parcel to the
sewer system is significantly less than the volume of water delivered to that
parcel, the Engineer shall reduce proportionately the metered sewer rate that
would otherwise be payable by the owner for the year of application.
10.2.5
If the Engineer determines that the amount of sewage discharged to the sewer
system cannot be fairly determined by the volume of water delivered to the
parcel, then the rates specified in Schedule A shall be applied based on either:
10.2.5.1
the volume of discharge from the property into the sewer system as
measured by a measuring device installed on the sewer service; or
10.2.5.2
the volume of the discharge as determined by the Engineer under
section 10.2.7.
10.2.6
The Engineer shall determine whether the rates will be applied based on the
volume of discharge measured by a measuring device or determined under
section 10.2.7, and in making such determination the Engineer will consider
relevant factors including without limitation the expense and difficulty of
installing a measuring device on the sewer service.
10.2.7
If the Engineer:
10.2.7.1
determines that a meter operating under section 10.2.1 or 10.2.5.1 is
faulty or inaccurate and an accurate estimate of the actual volume of
water delivered to the parcel or sewage discharged from a parcel
cannot be determined; or
10.2.7.2
determines that the rates specified in Schedule A will be applied to the
volume of discharge determined by the Engineer,
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then the Engineer shall determine the volume that shall be used as the basis for
payment of the rates, taking into consideration the volume of the water delivered
and the volume of sewage discharged during the 12 month period then ended,
seasonal variations, changes in occupancy, and any other factors which, in the
opinion of the Engineer, may have affected the volume of water used or sewage
discharged.
10.3
The owner shall pay all costs of any works and services, including the installation and
maintenance of any measuring device, requested by the owner or required by the Engineer
under this Bylaw.
10.4
Pursuant to the provisions of the Community Charter, any charge imposed by this Bylaw
that remains unpaid on December 31 in any year shall be deemed to be taxes in arrears in
respect of the property, and shall promptly be so entered on the tax roll.
11. Offence
11.1
Any person who:
11.1.1
violates any provision of this Bylaw or neglects or fails to do anything required to
be done by this Bylaw, or
11.1.2
causes or permits any other person to violate any provision of this Bylaw or to
neglect or fail to do anything required to be done by this Bylaw with respect to
real property of which he or she is the Owner, occupant, tenant or licensee,
commits an offence under this Bylaw and is subject to the imposition of any and all
penalties or remedies available to the City pursuant to this Bylaw or any other applicable
bylaw or legislation. Any adult person who acknowledges that he or she is the Owner,
occupant, tenant or licensee of or who is apparently the Owner, occupant, tenant, or
licensee, and is in occupation at the time of the offence, of the real property in respect of
which the violation, neglect or failure has occurred, is deemed to be a person who falls
within the definitions provided in subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph 12.1.
12. Penalties and Remedies
12.1
Any person who commits an offence under this Bylaw, in addition to being subject to any
remedies or penalties specifically provided for in this Bylaw, is also subject to prosecution
and, upon conviction for such an offence in a court of competent jurisdiction, is subject to
a fine or not less than $100.00 and not more than $10,000.00 for each and every offence.
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12.2
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 12.1 of this Bylaw, the City may elect to
pursue any and all other rights and remedies it may have pursuant to the Local
Government Act with respect to securing compliance with this Bylaw, including without
limitation to the right to commence on action under Part 8 and section 274 of the
Community Charter, against any person who commits an offence under this Bylaw.
13. Repeal of Existing Bylaws
13.1
The City of Coquitlam Sewerage System Bylaw No. 3151 (1997), and amendments thereto,
are hereby repealed in their entirety.
13.2
The City of Coquitlam Sewerage & Drainage System Bylaw No. 3151, 1997, and
amendments thereto, are hereby repealed in their entirety.
13.3
The City of Coquitlam Drainage System Bylaw No. 3153, 1997, and amendments thereto,
are hereby repealed in their entirely.
READ A FIRST TIME this 25th day of May, 2015.
READ A SECOND TIME this 25th day of May, 2015.
READ A THIRD TIME this 25th day of May, 2015.
GIVEN FOURTH AND FINAL READING and the Seal of the Corporation affixed this 15th day of June,
2015.
MAYOR
CLERK
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SEWER AND DRAINAGE BYLAW NO. 4429, 2015
SCHEDULE "A"
SEWER RATES AND CHARGES COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2026
1. FLAT RATE ANNUAL SEWER SERVICE CHARGE
The following annual flat rate charges for sewer services shall apply to all residential
dwelling units receiving sewer service, directly or indirectly, from the sewer system and
applies to each calendar year period of January 1st to December 31st.
Use
Flat Rate
For each residential dwelling unit except
those with a different rate set out in this
Schedule
$661
For an accessory dwelling unit or lock-off
unit
$264
If any flat rate is not received on or before March 31st in the year to which the flat rate
applies, a late payment charge equal to 5% of the amount of the flat rate will apply. If
any flat rate is not received on or before October 1 in the year to which it applies, an
additional late payment charge equal to 5% of the amount of flat rate will apply.
No refund of any flat rate will be made should a connection be terminated for any
reason during the period to which the flat rate applies.
The annual flat rate charged pursuant to this paragraph will be due and payable
within 30 days of the invoice date and the late payment provisions described in this
section 1 will apply to any payment not received within the 30 day invoice period.
Where an existing residential dwelling unit, accessory dwelling unit or lock-off unit
makes a connection, directly or indirectly, to the sewer system during the course of a
calendar year the flat rate will be pro-rated on a daily basis for the remaining portion
of that year.
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For new construction of:
(a)
single-detached dwellings, small-scale residential buildings, accessory dwelling
units and lock-off units, the flat rate will be pro-rated on a daily basis from the
date that is 180 days after the date the building permit is issued for the
remaining portion of that year;
(b)
townhouses, apartments or other dwelling units not listed in (a) above, a flat
rate charge will apply for the construction period based on the water service
size, count, and estimated duration of use of the sewer system.
Water Service Size
Annual Fee per Service
< 25mm
$1,976
25-50mm
$4,611
>50mm
$13,174
In the alternative, at the discretion of the Engineer, a metered sewer rate may
apply during the construction period in accordance with Section 2 of this
Schedule and Section 9 of the Bylaw.
All flat rate charges for construction periods are due and payable prior to issuance of
building permit, and refunds will not be provided.
Upon partial occupancy or occupancy (whichever occurs first) of the new residential
dwelling units, the flat rate will be pro-rated on a daily basis for the remaining portion
of that year.
2. METERED SEWER RATES
Every connection, other than from residential dwelling units, from which any sewage or
waste is discharged, directly or indirectly, into the sewer system shall have or be
deemed to have a metered service, and the owner of each such parcel shall pay an
annual metered sewer rate in three trimester payments calculated as follows:
(a)
Users with Industry Specific Regional BOD/TSS Charges
The owner of a parcel discharging, in whole or in part, sewage for which the
Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District (GVS&DD) has established
industry specific BOD/TSS charges shall pay trimester payments in each case
equal to a charge based on the quantity of water delivered to the parcel
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calculated as follows:
Volume per Trimester
Metered Rate
Each cubic metre
$0.9751
(b)
Other Metered Users
The owner of every parcel not subject to the rates provided in section 2(a) shall
pay trimester payments in each case equal to a charge based on the quantity of
water delivered to the parcel calculated as follows:
Volume per Trimester
Metered Rate
Each cubic metre
$1.9501
In addition, each metered service account will be subject to a fixed trimester charge of
$114.41.
Customers charged metered sewer rates shall be invoiced each trimester with all
payments due and payable within 30 days of the invoice date.
A late payment charge equal to 5% of each trimester metered sewer rate will apply to
any metered sewer rate not paid on or before its due date.
3. MIXED USE
For buildings with mixed or multiple uses which include a connection or sewer service
for residential dwelling units as well as another use, the owner shall pay:
(a) the flat rate service charge as shown in Section 1 of this Schedule for each
residential dwelling unit that, directly or indirectly, uses the sewer system, plus
(b) the metered sewer rates set out in Section 2 of this Schedule for metered
connections for all uses other than any residential dwelling unit use.
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4. STRATA TITLE PROPERTIES
Each residential dwelling unit strata property using the sewer system, directly or
indirectly, shall pay the flat rate set out in Section 1 of this Schedule for a residential
dwelling unit notwithstanding that the sewerage service connection to the strata title
property may be a metered connection.
For strata title properties with a single metered connection, the City may send a single
invoice for metered sewer rates and such other charges as may apply pursuant to
Section 2 of this Schedule for all strata lots to the Strata Corporation or to strata lot 1,
as the City may, on a case by case basis, decide. If the metered sewer rates as set out
in the invoice remain unpaid as of December 31st of the billing year, the Engineer shall
allocate the charges as set out in the invoice among the total number of strata lots in
the Strata Corporation and each strata lot shall pay the metered sewer rates as set out
in Section 2 of this Schedule based on such allocation together with such penalties
and interest as are applicable to late payments of any fees or charges under this
Bylaw.