Update: Council approved amendments to the user fees, rates and charges bylaw (Bylaw 24.026) at its meeting on March 25, 2025. Residential properties in Draper are excluded from payment of some fees for water and wastewater services. Water and wastewater utility rate changes for Fort McKay will take effect on July 1 instead of April 1, 2025.
Utility rate changes take effect April 1, 2025
In November 2024, several user rates and fees were adjusted as part of the annual update to the user fees, rates and charges bylaw (Bylaw 24.026). These include utilities such as water, sewer, and garbage collection.
Utility rates for municipal water, wastewater, and certain solid waste services are increasing by 10 to 15%. The changes vary depending on the size of the property’s water meter and between rural, urban, and commercial services.
Amendments to the bylaw by Council at its meeting on March 25, 2025 mean that water and wastewater utility rate changes for Fort McKay will take effect on July 1 instead of April 1, 2025.
Water and sewer billing will take effect for Fort Chipewyan and Fort McKay
In the past, the Municipality has not been consistent in enforcing utility payments in some areas. As a result, some residents have been receiving water, sewer, and curbside collection services without being billed.
Updates to the Fees, Rates and Charges 2025 Bylaw mean that billing for these essential municipal services will be applied to Fort Chipewyan and Fort McKay. Water and wastewater utility rate changes for Fort McKay will take effect on July 1 instead of April 1, 2025.
Amendments to the bylaw, approved at the Council meeting on March 25, 2025, will exclude residential properties in Draper from payment of some fees for water and wastewater services.
We understand that this may be a new change for some residents, and we’re here to provide assistance with adjusting to these changes. If you don’t have a utility account set up yet or have any questions, please reach out to us.
Please see the community-specific breakdowns below:
Frequently Asked Questions
| Why is the municipality enforcing utility payments now, and what has changed? |
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In the past, the Municipality has not been consistent in enforcing utility payments in some areas. As a result, some residents have been receiving water, sewer, and curbside collection services without being billed. Updates to the Fees, Rates and Charges 2025 Bylaw mean that billing for these essential municipal services will be applied to Fort Chipewyan (starting April 1, 2025) and Fort McKay (starting July 1, 2025). Amendments to the bylaw, approved at the Council meeting on March 25, 2025, will exclude residential properties in Draper from payment of some fees for water and wastewater services. We understand that this may be a new change for some residents, and we’re here to provide assistance with adjusting to these changes. If you don’t have a utility account set up yet or have any questions, please reach out to us. |
| How much will I have to pay for utility services? |
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Each community has a chart indicating fixed and variable rates for water and wastewater, and garbage collections fees. These are outlined above in the specific community. These rates may also be found in the Fees, Rates, and Charges 2025 Bylaw. |
| Why hasn’t the Municipality billed for these services? |
| In the past, the municipality did not consistently enforce utility billing. Moving forward, we will apply the Fees, Rates and Charges 2025 Bylaw consistently across all communities. |
| How do I set up a utility account if I don’t already have one? |
| Setting up a utility account is simple. You can do this online, over the phone by calling Pulse at 780-743-7000, or by visiting a municipal office. You'll need proof of residency and identification. If you need help, please contact us, and we’ll guide you through the process. |
| How can I make payments for my utility bills? |
| Payments can be made online, by mail, in person at a municipal office, or through automatic payments from your bank account. |
| What are the municipal services covered by my utility payments? |
| Your utility payments cover essential services such as water, wastewater (sewer), and curbside garbage collection. |
| Will there be any changes to the services provided? |
| The services will remain the same. However, by ensuring that all residents contribute, we can maintain and improve the quality and reliability of these services for the entire region. |
| What is the difference between metered and unmetered water services? |
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Metered water services charge based on the exact amount of water used, as recorded by your water meter. The fee includes a base charge depending on your meter size plus a rate for each cubic meter (m³) of water used. Unmetered water services apply to properties without water meters. In these cases, a flat fee is charged based on an estimated consumption of 16 cubic meters of water per month, depending on the type of property. |
| What happens if I don’t pay my utility bills? |
| If you don’t pay your utility bills, you may face penalties such as late fees. Any unpaid utility balance over 30 days would result in monthly late fees and if the balance remains unpaid over 90 days, the balance will be transferred to the property's tax roll and forms part of the property tax. |
| What are the late payment fees? |
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If your invoice is not paid by the due date, a 1.5% late payment fee will be applied to your total outstanding balance. This applies to all service types, including water, sewer, and solid waste. If you miss a payment, you will be charged a 1.5% late fee. Please contact Pulse to discuss payment options if you’re having trouble keeping up with your bills to avoid further penalties. |
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What should I do if I have questions or need assistance? |
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If you have any questions or need help with your account or payments, please contact Pulse or visit a municipal office. We’re here to assist you. |