Red Deer city council approves changes to Municipal Consent and Access Fee percentages

Sep 1, 2026 | 6:44 PM

Red Deer city council has approved changes to the Municipal Consent and Access Fee (MCAF) percentages for water, wastewater, and electric utilities and directed that 25 per cent that all MCAF revenue be transferred annually to the Capital Projects Reserve.

As a result of the resolution, the MCAF for water, wastewater and electric utilities will increase from 15 per cent to 20 per cent.

The proposed resolution was passed by a vote of 6-3, with councillors Kraymer Barnstable, Tristin Brisbois, and Adam Goodwin opposed.

“Council recognizes that residents are facing affordability pressures and carefully considered the impact of this decision,” said Mayor Cindy Jefferies. “The additional funding will help maintain and renew essential infrastructure, reduce future funding pressures, and support the long-term sustainability of community assets.”

The city explained the MCAF is charged through utility bills and compensates the city for the use of municipal land, rights-of-way, and infrastructure by utility systems.

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The additional revenue generated through the increase will support municipal infrastructure and service delivery needs.

Under Council’s direction, 25 per cent of all MCAF revenue will be dedicated to the Capital Projects Reserve to support future infrastructure renewal and replacement projects.

“This decision creates a stronger connection between the revenue collected through MCAF and investments in infrastructure renewal,” said CFO Sam Mugford in a media release. “The dedicated contribution to the Capital Projects Reserve will help support long-term planning and future infrastructure replacement needs across the community.”

Administration estimates the approved MCAF change will increase the average residential utility bill by approximately $10.25 per month.

by rdnewsNOW staff

Red Deer city council approves changes to Municipal Consent and Access Fee percentages

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