Increases to water and wastewater fees have been approved to support the ongoing operation, maintenance, and long-term replacement of essential utility infrastructure.

For 2026:

  • Water fees increase by 14.5%
  • Wastewater fees increase by 17%

2026 Rates for Water, Wastewater, and Waste Collection

Quarterly

Annually

House

$300.81

$1,203.24

House with Suite

$399.60

$1,598.40

Condo/Apartment

$246.83

$987.32

Business

$202.68

$810.72

These updated fees are part of a long-term plan that sets water and wastewater rates for 2026–2030, helping ensure these services remain reliable now and into the future.

What’s driving the increases?

The 2026 water and wastewater rate increases are designed to maintain reliable services and address long-term infrastructure needs identified through the City’s Integrated Infrastructure Capital Plan (IICP). Analysis shows that our water and wastewater assets are already more than halfway through their lifecycle, while current reserve contributions cover only a fraction of what is needed to sustainably replace aging infrastructure. Without action, funding gaps and service risks are expected to grow.

Major upcoming costs include required upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, currently estimated at around $40 million in 2028–29, as well as the replacement of aging lift stations and underground infrastructure. Increasing regulatory and environmental requirements also add to the long-term costs of providing safe, reliable water and wastewater services.

What do these increases support?

The rate changes will help maintain reliable water services by adding a fourth operator to reduce backlogs and service risks. They cover rising operating costs, increase reserve contributions to address infrastructure gaps, and support major projects like the UV treatment upgrade at Fairy Creek (partially funded by development charges). These changes also strengthen long-term financial stability by reducing reliance on future borrowing or uncertain grant funding.

Why take this approach now?

Other communities that delayed rate adjustments have faced sudden one-time increases of 60–80% to address funding shortfalls. Fernie’s approach focuses on regular, incremental adjustments, spreading costs over time and helping to prevent severe rate shocks in the future.