Under the proposed program, eligible holding tank users would receive a rebate of $15.90 per cubic metre, and it would be applied retroactively to Jan. 1, 2025
North Bay councillors will be asked to approve a new rebate program aimed at lowering wastewater disposal costs for property owners who rely on holding tanks.
The proposal will be discussed at City Council’s Tuesday committee meeting, and recommends authorizing Staff to implement a Holding Tank Rebate Program retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025.
According to a report to Council, dated May 20, 2025, the program is designed to address what Staff describe as an imbalance in how wastewater disposal fees are currently charged at the City’s Patton Street Septage Receiving Station.
The station has been operating since 2013 and accepts wastewater from both residential and non-residential septic and holding tanks, including waste from commercial and industrial facilities.
“Septage is partially treated wastewater removed from septic tanks,” says Karin Pratte, Senior Environment & Facilities Engineer in the report, noting it contains “high levels of grit, grease, and solids.”
Holding tank waste, by contrast, is collected in sealed tanks and “often includes greywater, resulting in significantly lower concentrations of contaminants.”
Despite those differences, both types of waste are currently charged the same disposal rate, $19.75 per cubic metre.
Environmental Services Staff argue that holding tank users should not pay the same rate because their waste places less demand on treatment infrastructure.
“Given that holding tank waste is less concentrated and imposes lower demand on treatment infrastructure than septage, Environmental Services proposes a targeted rebate program to account for this discrepancy in waste characteristics,” continues Pratte.
Under the proposed program, eligible holding tank users would receive a rebate of $15.90 per cubic metre. The effective net cost would be $3.85 per cubic metre, which the report says is “aligned with the average residential wastewater rate.”
To qualify, applicants must provide proof of property ownership, submit a valid invoice from a licensed waste hauler, show that the holding tank is approved by the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority, and confirm that all property taxes are current.
The rebate would be applied retroactively to Jan. 1, 2025.
“The program is not expected to significantly impact the wastewater division’s operating budget,” according to Pratte. “Therefore, no budget amendments are proposed.”
See: 2026 water and wastewater rates approved, budget rises to $31.1M: Council