User Fees, Rates and Charges

Starting April 1, 2025, the fees for certain Municipal services will be adjusted. 

Utility rates increasing by 10%-15%, in line with other communities.

The utility rates for municipal water, wastewater, and certain solid waste services are increasing between 10% to 15%. The changes vary depending on the size of the property’s water meter and between rural, urban, and commercial services. The updated rates will be reflected on utility bills beginning April 1.

It will be $2.25 to ride Transit

The fare for a single ride on RMWB Transit in Fort McMurray will be $2.25. The fees for ride booklets, monthly passes, rural transit and the SMART Bus are also being updated.

Most landfill fees increasing by 10%

Most fees to dispose of items at the landfill are increasing by 10%. Curbside collection fees are increasing by 10%-15% depending on the location and type of property. The fee to dispose of compost has been removed and there continues to be no fees to dispose of many items at the landfill such as pet waste, yard clippings and household electronic waste.   

Updated fees for many Planning and Development permits and services

The rates for residential development permits and most building/construction permits will see increases from 10%-100%, while certain permits, such as gas and propane, will see reductions. Adjustments have also been made to the rates for some commercial permits, applications and other services.

Municipal rates remain some of the lowest in Alberta

User rates for 2025 were approved at the Nov. 26, 2024 Council meeting. The Municipality on average has fees and charges about 25% lower than other jurisdictions in the province.

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.

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.

1. Fully Tax Supported – Fire, Police, Roads, Parks
2. Partial Tax / Partial User Fee Supported – Transit, Recreational Facilities
3. 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