The Town of Smithers is proposing changes to how senior utility discounts are provided.
Currently, some seniors receive a 100% exemption from water and sewer fees through a self-declared hardship program. The proposed changes would replace this with a 50% discount for eligible low-income seniors, with eligibility based on income verification using Canada Revenue Agency Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) thresholds.
These changes are intended to improve fairness, consistency, and transparency, while also ensuring the Town can continue to fund and maintain critical utility infrastructure, including major future projects such as a new water treatment plant.
Council will consider this bylaw again on January 27, 2026. If adopted, changes would take place for 2026 utility payments.
Read the staff report here: https://smithers.civicweb.net/document/276070 or watch the latest Council video at https://youtu.be/CX36EnMxX1k?si=-OlScOZTP1k-rDAS