WESTLOCK – Town of Westlock residents will see their water, sewer and garbage collection bill rise Jan. 1, 2023, with an “average” homeowner expected to pay close to $5 more every month.
At their Dec. 12 regular meeting, town councillors voted 6-0 consecutively (Coun. Curtis Snell was absent) to give three readings to Consolidated Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 2017-01, Amendment Bylaw 2022-14, the document that lists the fees for a bevy of town services including the water, sewer and garbage collection rates.
Administration’s request for decision (RFD) to council notes that the Westlock Regional Waste Management Commission and the Westlock Regional Water Services Commission have both provided notice of pending increases effective Jan. 1, 2023. In total, the town predicts an “average residential home” will pay an additional $4.86 a month in 2023 ($126.23 per month) or an additional $58.32 annually on a total bill of $1,514.70.
“This is consistent with what we’ve done for three terms now and that is making sure that our utilities are standalone and pay for themselves as a utility should and not be subsidized,” said mayor Ralph Leriger. “Ultimately, this is our waste and water commissions reacting to inflationary pressures.”
Water distribution rates for residential jumps to $21.93 from $20.85, while commercial rates will increase to $31.03 from $29.50 and institutional soars to $43.23 from $34.60 — the rate per cubic meter is also rising from $3.03 to $3.15. Bulk water rates, card or coin, are also increasing to $7.85 per cubic meter, a $.30 jump.
Sewer collection, treatment and disposal rates jump by $.32 to $4.91, while commercial, per meter, increases by $1.73 to $6.83 and institutional, per meter, skyrockets to $9.51 from $5.10.
Residential garbage collection will cost $24 per month, up from $23.10, while an additional waste or organic container(s) roll cart to the same residence will now cost $13.05 monthly, up $.50.
“It’s worth noting that with water and sewer being metered, to reduce your expense you can always potentially reduce your consumption which is always a lever consumers of a utility have, the exception of course being the fixed fees,” added Coun. Murtaza Jamaly.
The Westlock Regional Waste Management Commission Reserve Fund Charge is also increasing by $.16 across the board to $2.90. In addition, with the recent adoption of the Land Use Bylaw 2022-12, administration recommend several wording changes within the ‘Development Services Section’ and created a new section ‘Residential Deck, Demolition, Home Occupation’ and a fee of $50 per permit.
