Council approves 2027 Municipal fees and rates

Council has approved Administration’s recommendations to adjust select user rates for Municipal services during the November 10, Council meeting. The updated rates will take effect April 1, 2027. 

Changes include; the new museum service fees, adjustments to Transit, Planning and Development, Solid Waste and other municipal fees and targeted fee reductions where appropriate.

A full list of all the user fees, rates and charges may be found in the Fees Rates and Charges schedule The 2027-28 User Fees Rates and Charges Bylaw will be in effect from April 1, 2027, to April 1, 2028.

Key updates

• Transit fares for a single ride are increasing from $2.25 to $2.50 in Fort McMurray. Rural transit fares for adults are increasing from $13.50 to $15.00 and fares for children are increasing from $6.75 to $7.50. Monthly passes and multi-ride booklets are not affected, except for the new 20-ride booklet which replaces the 18-ride booklet and will be $45.
• There are no changes to utility rates for municipal water, wastewater and curbside garbage collection services.  
• 10% increases for all cemetery fees
•     New museum fees, introducing a user-pay framework for admission, rentals and school bookings. 

Updated rates for garbage and recycling services

Last month, Council approved a reduction in the utility rates for curbside waste collection following the provincial changes to recycling services under the Extended Producers Program. The monthly residential Solid Waste Disposal rate was significantly reduced to $25.00 per residence in the Fort McMurray Urban Service Area, Draper, Saprae Creek, Anzac, and Gregoire Lake Estate’s. These rates will remain in place under the new bylaw.

Council also waived residential landfill disposal rates up to 200 kg until the new bylaw takes effect on April 1, 2027. Residential landfill disposal rates after April 1, 2027 will be reviewed as the municipality assesses financial impact and potential options for these rates which are currently waived.  Residential landfill disposal rates are under consideration in the new Municipal Fees and Rates Bylaw as the municipality assesses financial impact and additional ways to help residents dispose of items easily and safely.       

Municipal rates remain some of the lowest in Alberta

During the annual review of the Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw, Administration assesses the user rates in similar municipalities. The adjusted Municipal rates remain some of the lowest in Alberta.

To view the updated rates and learn more about user fees and charges, visit rmwb.ca/userfees. The Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw No. 26/032 includes the user rates for all Municipal services. This bylaw is aligned with the User Fees and Charges Council Policy FIN-030.  

For questions or more information, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000, 1-800-973-9663, or rmwb.ca/pulse.

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