P.E.I. plumbing inspection fees going up

Plumbers installingnew sinks and toilets in homes and businesses will have to pay higher inspection fees starting Saturday.The provincial government is raising the fees across the board.

The feewill risefrom $14 for each fixture, such as a sink or toilet, to $20, with the minimum total fee rising from $20 to $50.

The increases bringthe fees closer to what other provinces chargesaidGlendaMacKinnon-Peters, manager of inspection services.

"We operate on a cost-recovery model and when we looked at other jurisdictions, we wanted to be in that same region to try to look to align our fees," said MacKinnon-Peters.

Improving service

The province is bringing in some new technologies that will add to costs,MacKinnon-Petersnoted.

"We are developing a new database for our plumbing permits that is going to allow plumbing contractors to apply for their permits online," she said.

"We are also looking at purchasing tablets for our inspectors."

The tablets will allow inspectors to have immediate access to the permit database and the plumbing code, which will improve service and eliminate red tape, saidMacKinnon-Peters.

MacKinnon-Peters expects plumbers will likely pass on the feesto their clients.

Provincial electrical inspection permit fees are also going up.

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