Council sets 2026 fees and rates with adjustments for select services

At the Nov. 25 meeting, Council approved Administration’s recommendations to adjust several user rates for Municipal services. The updated rates will take effect April 1, 2026. 

While there are no changes to most rates, increases have been made for some municipal services, including some landfill and cemetery fees, certain assessment and taxation charges, and select planning and development services. Certain fees have also been decreased or removed.

A full list of all the user fees, rates and charges may be found in the Fees Rates and Charges schedule.

Updated rates for most garbage and recycling services

Monthly curbside collection fees will rise by $4-$5 depending on the location of the residence.

Landfill disposal rates are being updated, with some fees increasing, some fees decreasing and others remaining the same. Many items will continue to be accepted at no cost, including compost, yard clippings and household electronic waste. Residents and businesses are encouraged to review the updated fee schedule and plan ahead before the rate changes take effect on April 1, 2026, unless otherwise noted.    

Planning and Development permits service fees updated

Some residential and non-residential fees such as development permits, plumbing/gas and appliance venting permits will see increases. To improve clarity and transparency, overlapping fees have been consolidated.

No changes to transit fares or water utility rates

There are no changes to transit fares, with the exception of the rural transit five-ride booklet for adults. RMWB transit fares continue to be lower than in many other regions across Canada. Utility rates for municipal water and wastewater services also remain unchanged except for bulk water and sewage lagoon.

Council approves amendment for sports field rentals

Council approved an amendment to the rates for sport field rentals to charge user groups the same as last year.  

Adjustments to help reduce subsidy from Municipal tax base

The adjustments are expected to generate approximately $1.8M, which will help offset the cost of delivering services to individual residents and organizations and reduce the subsidy from the Municipal tax base. The Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw is reviewed and adjusted annually to better reflect the cost of providing individual services, reducing the subsidy from the tax base and ensuring a fiscally responsible budget.

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. 25/026 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.