Beginning with the spring 2026 utility bill (May/June 2026), North Cowichan will introduce a $2 fee for all paper utility bills. The $2 fee will help cover postal and administrative costs and support North Cowichan's efforts to reduce paper use and improve service efficiency.
Residents can avoid this fee by switching to e‑billing, a fast, secure, and environmentally friendly way to receive utility bills.
Why the change?
Council approved the fee in November 2025 as part of broader measures to reduce the 2026 operating budget and limit the tax increase. The $2 paper billing fee is expected to save approximately $12,000 per billing cycle, or $38,000 per year.
Other budget‑reduction decisions included:
- Reducing Council travel expenses by 50%
- And more: view Council Matters from the November 19, 2025 council meeting for a summary
Note - this change applies only to paper utility bills. There is no fee for printed property tax notices.