WESTLOCK – To keep up with increasing rates by the Westlock Regional Water Services Commission (WRWSC), the county raised its water rates to residents by three per cent.
The monthly water rate in hamlets will go up from $45.80 per month to $47.17 a month. The rates in the industrial park have increased from $77.26 a month to $79.58 a month. In addition, the monthly sewer rate increases in 2025 to $16.23 a month from $15.76 a month in 2024.
“It’s a big difference,” said Deputy Reeve Ray Marquette during council’s Jan. 14 meeting.
County Finance Manager Nicole Cherniwchan presented the amendments to council, and in her report, she pointed out that if rates aren’t adjusted, budgeted water revenue would decrease by approximately $8,500 and sewer revenue would decrease by approximately $2,500, leaving a shortfall.
All Westlock County hamlets are supplied by the regional water line. The WRWSC provides water to Westlock County, the Town of Westlock, and the Village of Clyde. They are also responsible for the treatment and distribution of water in the area.
Effective Jan. 1, the WRWSC increased its water charge from $2.60 per cubic metre to $2.628 per cubic metre. This followed a rate hike in 2023, when WRWSC raised its rate from $2.40 to $2.60 per cubic metre, a $0.20 increase.
The proposed utility bylaw amendments were given unanimous first, second and third reading by council.
