Utility Changes

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.

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.

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.

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.

Payments can be made online, by mail, in person at a municipal office, or through automatic payments from your bank account.

Your utility payments cover essential services such as water, wastewater (sewer), and curbside garbage collection.

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. 

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.  

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.

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 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.