Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Utilities
I’ve purchased a new home and need to start an account, or I’m moving and need to stop my account?
The utility account stays with the property. The Statement of Adjustments you received from your lawyer or notary during the purchase or sale of your home, shows the adjustment made to your utility account. The City does not read meters when ownership changes.
Please contact your lawyer if you have any questions about your statement of adjustments.
I’m moving and/or sold my property and I’m currently signed up on the Utility Auto-Debit Withdrawal Program. Is there anything I need to do?
Yes, you will need to cancel the monthly Auto-Debit withdrawal payments with the City. You can do this by either:
- Completing the Utility Auto-Debit Withdrawal form, or
- Your lawyer, acting on your behalf can cancel by completing the Pre-Authorized Withdrawal section on the Tax Certificate.
The cancelation form must be received in the Finance Department by the 10th of the month; in order to stop the auto withdrawal from occurring on the 15th of the month.
I’ve moved or will be moving and need to change my mailing address for my utility bill ?
If your mailing address is changing, please complete the City’s online address change form.
Please note: If you are changing your address because you have sold your home, please see the above question “I’ve purchased a new home and need to start an account, or I’m moving and need to stop my account?”
I’m a tenant and would like to receive a copy of the utility bill?
The property owner needs to complete a Tenant Utility Authorization form to have the utility bill mailed to the tenant.
When does the City of Vernon mail the utility invoices?
The City of Vernon utility bills are mailed quarterly; four (4) times a year in the following months:
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January |
(for billing period October-November-December of prior year)
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April |
(for billing period January-February-March)
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July |
(for billing period April-May-June)
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October |
(for billing period July-August-September)
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Can I get my invoice emailed to me?
Currently, the City is unable to email the utility bill to you. If you are leaving town, you can create a MyCity account that will allow you to check the status of your utility account from anywhere, at anytime.
Can I look at my utility bill online?
Yes, you can view your utility account online by creating a MyCity account. MyCity is a secure, all-in-one, online service that provides home owners and businesses access to information about their utility account(s) online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s easy to use and all information is protected by private access codes.
Through MyCity, you can see your utility bill(s), payment(s) and water consumption history up to two (2) years.
To create an account, all you need is the following:
- An email address
- Your utility account number and access code (which can be found on your utility invoice)
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Why is my sewer based on the 1st quarter's water consumption?
The City of Vernon uses the 1st quarter’s (January-February-March) water consumption to get a more accurate picture of how much water is being used in the household, to ensure no irrigation or outside water is being used.
My garbage or recycling didn’t get picked up - who should I call?
Aldon is the City’s contractor for collection. They can be reached toll free at 1-888-547-6961.
How can I pay my utility billing? Do you accept credit cards?
The City of Vernon accepts the following methods for payment:
In Person at City Hall |
Debit
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Cheque |
Cash |
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In addition, your utility account can be paid online through your bank. Unfortunately, credit cards are not accepted.
Where can I pay my utility bill?
Your utility bill can be paid in one of the following ways:
- In person at City Hall -3400 30th Avenue
- The City’s auto-debit program, where the City automatically withdraws the amount due on the utility due date
- Most major banks, trust companies and credit unions through out Canada
- Online or telephone banking
- Regular mail
- The drop box located inside City Hall
- After hours at the drop box located outside the City Hall front entrance doors.
What if my utility bill is not paid?
Unpaid utility invoices are carried over to the next billing period and interest is calculated every billing period at an interest rate of 12%. Any unpaid utilities as of December 31st are automatically transferred to your property tax account, as arrears and are subject to daily interest. The property tax arrears interest rate is set by the Province every January 1st, May 1st and September 1st.
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