The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo provides water, sewer and garbage collection services to residents and businesses.
Open a Utility Account Close a Utility Account
Only property owners may open a new utility account - Important changes to utility accounts took effect Jan. 1, 2021.
To encourage responsible consumption of water and improve collection of unpaid bills, all new utility accounts must be applied for by the property owner on title. This means that tenants and renters cannot apply to open a new utility account,
There is no impact or changes required to existing tenant accounts that are in good standing (not in arrears) as these accounts can continue under the new Utility Account Holders Amending Bylaw. If an existing tenant account in good standing closes, the account will transfer to the landowner’s name, and remain in that name unless the property changes ownership.
If an existing tenant account is in default of payment, the account will be terminated and transferred to the landowner’s name. If an account is terminated, a notice will be sent to the landowner on record.
If a lease was signed prior to January 1, 2021 with a move in date before February 15, 2021, the tenant is eligible to open a new utility account. A copy of the lease outlining the date signed, move in date, and utility payment terms, needs to be presented to water billing during the application process.
Moving
If you are selling your home or moving out of a rental home, you will need to cancel your existing service and have your last bill forwarded to your new address.
If you are moving to a new home and are still going to be the owner on title at your previous address, you can have your mail forwarded by completing the Change of Address Form.
FAQs
What is considered default of payment terms? |
If the utility account balance remains unpaid after 30 days, then the account is in default of payment terms |
What if my tenant’s account is closed? |
You will receive a notice in the mail outlining that an account has been created for you. You will be responsible to collect future utility payments from your tenants. If there are unpaid bills and a balance owning (arrears) on your tenant’s closed account, the outstanding balance will remain your tenant’s responsibility and will not be transferred to your account. |
What happens if I don’t get my bill? |
For all landowner accounts, any arrears over 90 days are automatically transferred to the property tax roll and included on future property tax invoices. Transfers to tax do incur additional penalties, including a $10 transfer fee and other penalties. |