During the Regular Council Meeting on December 18, 2023, Council passed the 2024 Utility Rate Bylaw 23.21 as presented: with a 3.0% increase in water and a 6.0% increase in wastewater. The Town of Drumheller utility finances continue a track to self-sustainability; an investment in ensuring that long-term infrastructure investments are maintained for regulatory compliance. 

All fee increases will be in effect beginning January 1, 2024. Ratepayers will see the cubic metre charge for water increase by $0.07, from $2.2386 to $2.3058 per cubic metre. Similarly, the average residential wastewater user will see an increase of $0.14, from $2.4131 to $2.5579 in monthly metre charges. The Town's monthly charges for a household consuming 15 cubic metres will increase by $9.58. 

“Our utility systems are on the path to self-sufficiency through responsible cost increases. The investment in our water and wastewater system in 2023 and 2024 is in large part the result of proper financial planning over the last several years, which allows the Town to self-fund these expenditures,” says CAO Darryl Drohomerski.

The utility system is a vital part of the Town of Drumheller’s infrastructure, and these rate increases are in accordance with the recommended timelines required to reach financial stability and a sustainable utility.