Residents in the County of Stettler will see a modest increase in their utility costs this year after council moved to approve a new water and wastewater bylaw during their Jan. 14 meeting.
The move, which passed through all three readings, adjusts consumption rates, fixed monthly fees, & connection charges to address rising costs from regional water commissions.
The rate adjustment was driven by the Shirley McClellan Regional Water Services Commission (SMRWSC), which recently increased its water rate by $0.04 cents per cubic meter.
The County’s internal water department also reported a roughly 1% year-over-year increase in operating expenses.
To cover these combined costs, council accepted a total increase of $0.05/m.
For the average household, this change is expected to cost an estimated $0.50 to $1.00 per month.
Consumption Rates and Service Areas
The cost per cubic meter has been adjusted to reflect the source of the water.
The South East Service Area, which includes Endiang, Byemoor, and the South East Rural Water Line will see the highest rate at $3.50/m due to higher purchasing costs.
Other areas, including the Central Service Area (Erskine, Botha, Gadsby, Red Willow), Buffalo Sands, & Buffalo View Estates, will be set at $3.30/m.
Bulk water users will now pay $4.20/m, a move intended to harmonize rates with the Shirley McClellan Regional Water Services Commission (SMRWSC).
In addition to usage, the bylaw establishes fixed monthly fees that remain active even during seasonal disconnections:
Water Service: $22.00 per month
Wastewater Service: $20.00 per month
Buffalo Sands/View Estates Wastewater: $25.00 per month
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
