Mississippi Mills introduces paper billing fee for water bills in 2026

The Municipality of Mississippi Mills is giving notice that they are introducing a $2 paper billing fee for residents who choose to continue receiving their water bills by mail. The fee will take effect with the first water bills of 2026, which will be mailed out in March, according to a release from the municipality.

The decision follows a recommendation from municipal staff in 2024 to help cover the significant costs associated with printing and mailing paper bills, including paper, envelopes, and postage. Mississippi Mills issues water bills six times a year, and as of July 2024, more than 2,100 bills were still being mailed each billing cycle. According to staff findings, this resulted in an annual cost of nearly $26,000, in addition to significant staff time and resources.

On Nov. 4, 2025, Council officially approved By-law 25-084, which formally includes the $2 paper billing fee. To give residents plenty of notice, Council directed staff to spend all of 2025 informing the community about the upcoming fee before it came into effect through the municipal newsletter, social media, and messages included directly on water bills.

As a result of this outreach, more than 830 additional residents have switched to e-billing, saving the Municipality approximately $9,900 per year in mailing costs.

Residents who would like to make the switch can sign up for e-billing here.