User rates for 2023 were approved at the December 13, 2022 Council meeting. Updated rates are outlined below, with most coming into effect April 1, 2023.
Utility rates are reviewed and adjusted annually to support a commitment to direct cost recovery, and remain below the operational cost to provide these services. As such, these services will still be subsidized from the general revenues. Annual adjustments are needed to ensure the rates cover the cost of providing the service.
The changes vary depending on the size of the property’s water meter and between rural, urban, and commercial services.
User fees for municipal services on April 1, 2023
Although the Municipality on average has fees and charges about 25% lower than other jurisdictions in the province, there have been no increases to any other fees, rates, and charges for other municipal services.
Understanding user fees, rates and charges
To support the services that contribute to quality of life in the region, the municipality depends on revenue from property taxes and user fees, rates and charges. Although municipal services are typically available to everyone, the costs of services are recovered by different forms of revenue that are determined by the type of service.
- Fully Tax Supported – Fire, Police, Roads, Parks
- Partial Tax / Partial User Fee Supported – Transit, Recreational Facilities
- Fully User Fee Supported – Utilities, Licenses
User fees, rates and charges are paid by the residents who directly use and benefit from municipal services that are not fully supported by tax dollars. The types of services that typically charge user fees are:
- General Administrative and Miscellaneous Services
- Animal Control
- Assessment and Taxation
- Emergency Services
- Parks and Roads
- Recreation and Culture
- Licenses
- Transit Services
- Vehicle for Hire
- Planning and Development Services
- Safety Codes Permitting
- Solid Waste
- Water
- Wastewater