Clairmont residents are still looking at a major hike to their water and wastewater bills, but they may be getting a bit of a break this year. Aquatera had originally proposed a 19.4 per cent increase to the sewer rate in 2017, followed by another 6.6 per cent increase in 2018.
The jump is reportedly needed to cover the $15.8 million dollar project that will connect the Clairmont Lagoon to the Grande Prairie sewer system so it can be treated at the plant. CEO Bernd Manz has explained the Clairmont system is at capacity, so the long-term solution is to pump the waste out of town.
Aquatera now is looking to lower the 2017 wastewater rate to 9.9 per cent this year, and then a larger increase next year. 2018’s rate will likely make up the difference, spreading out the increase over a longer period of time. It will be determined at a later time.
County council gave second reading to the amended rate increase bylaw Monday and is expected to finalize the new numbers at their next meeting. With the 2.3 per cent proposed increase to the water rate, the average person paying a monthly bill of $92.23 for both services combined would see an additional $5.17 on their bill.
The new rates will come into effect on March 31st.