Updates

Notice of $485 Tax Increase in 2026.  A professional tank inspection in July 2025 has advised Savary Shores Improvement District that the Upper Tank may need replacement in 2040. SSID must set aside $1,464,000 for that possibility. In addition to the $85 per property tax increase previously budgeted for 2026, SSID will add another $400 per property to the Asset Renewal Levy. The extra $400 will continue annually for the duration of 15 years to 2040. This notice's purpose is to advise property owners in advance of the 2026 increase, allowing you more time to prepare for the payment due May 1 2026. Your Tax Notice will show the following figures for Class A (connected to water) or Class B (not connected), subject to change.
(a) TAX CLASS A
Connection tax.  $390.00
District tax.  $630.00
Asset Renewal Levy.  $570.00
Total AFTER May 1, 2026 is $1,590.00, but IF PAID BY May 1, 2026 is $1,250.00.
(b) TAX CLASS B
District tax.  $630.00
Asset Renewal Levy.  $570.00
Total AFTER May 1, 2026 is $1,200.00, but IF PAID BY May 1, 2026 is $990.00.
(c) Payment Plan. For owners unable to pay the full amount by May 1 2026, SSID will offer a payment plan that will be outlined on the Tax Notice. Under the payment plan, the early-pay discount will not be applicable, and 8 monthly payments of $200 Class A or $150 Class B will be scheduled for May through December.
(d) Background.  A preliminary inspection of the upper tank in 2023 indicated the 2 bottom plates of the upper tank had notable corrosion, with a problem area that had corroded to half its original steel thickness. Corrosion was removed in spring 2024, and the affected areas treated with a rust inhibitor and rust paint. The follow-up inspection in 2025 determined that the rust treatment appeared to have arrested the corrosion, and therefore the tank should last to 2040 or longer. The report also required that a tank inspection be done every 5 years, the first being 2030, to confirm that the tank has not degraded faster than predicted.
(d) At the 2030 Inspection. If the inspection concludes the tank to be still useful, we will continue to prepare for the predicted tank replacement in 2040. It is expected that the 2040 tank will have to be on ground rather than on the steel tower. An on-ground 10,000-gallon tank with a battery bank and solar panels is estimated to be $1,464,000 in 2040. This sum is based on 20 line items modelled after the calculations provided by the 2024 engineering report on new tank options. OR, if the 2030 inspection calls for immediate bottom repairs, the work is estimated to be $144,000, and would extend the life of the bottom plates. By 2030, the Asset Renewal Levy will have collected enough to cover the repairs, but will not cancel the tank replacement planned for 2040. If the $144,000 is spent in 2030, the Asset Renewal Levy will have be increased again to meet the funds needed for total tank replacement. OR if the 2030 inspection calls for an immediate tank replacement, we might be permitted to place a new tank on the existing 55-foot steel tower, if the tower’s condition is considered still sound, and excused from new seismic building code. If that "grandfathering" is allowed, a new elevated tank is estimated at $518,000. There will not be enough funds collected by 2030 to pay for that early tank purchase, so will require an additional $400 per property in 2031.
(e) Summary.  In addition to the $85 per year annual overall tax increase, there will be an extra $400 in the Asset Renewal Levy through the years 2026 - 2040, and depending on the findings of the 5-year tank inspections, may have to increase further. Please feel free to reach out to us with your questions or concerns: 604-414-8448, administrator@savaryshoreswater.ca

SSID AGM was held Sunday August 3 2025. At the 44th Annual General Meeting, Chair Trustee Bryan Miles summarized the past year. There was a review of Upper Tank replacement options. The Operator's report provided an update on the status of the water system infrastucture. The trustees presented the considerations for Groundwater at Risk of Pathogens (GARP). The administrator delivered the financial report. There was an election for the trustee position held by Trustee Lee Davis. Lee had offered to run for another 3-year term, and there being no other nominees, was acclaimed for the term finishing 2028.
Minutes of the 2025 AGM are considered draft until amended or adopted at the 2026 AGM.

The 2017 Fire Underwriter's Survey established Savary Shores Improvement District as "limited protection" rather than the previous rating "unprotected." The Dwelling Protection Grade was 4, and the Public Fire Protection Classification was 8 (out of 10, Grade-1 is highest). The FUS Survey was updated in 2020. SSID has not been re-examined or re-graded by FUS since 2017.