During the postal strike, the municipality of Summerland is urging people to consider receiving their monthly utility bills electronically and using online payment options.
The postal strike began on Nov. 15, halting mail delivery locally and nationwide.
David Svetlichny, director of finance for Summerland, said the latest utility bills were mailed Nov. 7, more than a week prior to the strike, so they were received while mail delivery was still active.
However, he said customers should consider switching to electronic billing now, to be prepared for any future disruptions, or in case this strike continues.
Those who want to sign up for electronic billing are asked to visit the Utility Billing page on the municipality’s website at summerland.ca/city-services/utility-billing or click directly onto the Online Services at https://online.summerland.ca/vadimopen/.
At present, there are roughly 6,000 utility accounts in Summerland. Around one-third of these receive their utility bills electronically.
“It would be nice if people considered the online option,” Svetlichny said.
The postal strike is also affecting bill payments, as payments cannot be sent through Canada Post. However, Svetlichny said there are numerous options to pay bills. These include paying at a bank or financial institution, using online banking and paying in-person at Summerland’s municipal Hall, 13211 Henry Ave. The office is open for bill payments Tuesday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is also a drop box in front of the municipal hall for after-hours payments.
All utility bill payments are due by Nov. 27.
Those with questions about their accounts are asked to call 250-404-4047 or email utilities@summerland.ca.
