By rdnewsNOW staff

Ponoka utility rates going up

Apr 5, 2018 | 6:31 AM

PONOKA- Town Council has approved the monthly utility rates for Ponoka residents for 2018.

Utility rates for water, sewer and solid waste have increased to cover utility operating costs, as well as current and future capital costs.

The rate increases were implemented in accordance with Alberta Municipal Affairs requirements, which direct municipalities to ensure utility services are self-sustaining and not supported by other revenue-generating areas.

A 2.2% increase has been applied to flat rates for both water and sewer in 2018.

The consumption rate for water has been increased from $2.65 to $2.69 per cubic meter to reflect the increase in water costs implemented by the North Red Deer Water Commission.

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The cost of water has not increased since 2014.

The sanitary sewer commodity charge has increased from $0.49 to $0.55 per cubic metre to cover utility operating costs, as well as current and future capital costs.

As per the Town’s solid waste contract with Green for Life, the flat monthly curbside collection rate for residential garbage increased from $24.32 to $26.00.

The monthly rate for curbside recycling increased from $6.30 to $6.48.

Tipping fees at the Town of Ponoka Waste Transfer Station increased from $60.00 per tonne to $75 per tonne to reflect increased hauling fees and tipping fees at the regional landfill where the Town’s solid waste is hauled.

The minimum tipping fee at the Town’s Waste Transfer Station remains unchanged at $8.00.

Overall, the 2018 utility rate increases for a typical consumer using an average of 20 cubic metres of water monthly will total about $4.53 in additional fees per month.

All utility rate increases for 2018 took effect on March 27.

Residents with any questions can call 403-783-4431.

(Gary McKinnon)