The City of Lloydminster is increasing potable water rates for Alberta Central East Water Corporate (ACE) and Saskatchewan Water Corporate (SaskWater) in an effort to recover the cost of providing the water.
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Administration recently completed a review of the Water Master Plan that identified capital projects in need of funding.
“The city recently completed its water treatment assessment or Water Master Plan, which identified approximately $22.84 million in capital projects required over the next five years to replace aging infrastructure at the water treatment plant,” said Karen Dela Rosa, director of environmental services, City of Lloydminster. “These projects focus solely on replacing existing 1980s infrastructure and do not expand the system’s capacity. These investments are necessary to maintain reliable potable water supply.”
The rates for 2026 are $1.75 per cubic metre, increasing to $2.86 in 2030.
Dela Rosa said the proposed rates bring ACE and SaskWater rates in better alignment with what Lloyd residents are currently paying and clarified the city doesn’t currently split its water and sewer rates.
“What we have proposed for 2026 is $4.64 per cubic metre for anybody consuming within 0 to 30 cubic metres of water a day,” said Dela Rosa.
Executive manager of operations Don Stang explained when the rate is calculated, it’s based on the capital contributed to the specific system. He says the rates may not always be identical.
“When you’re comparing our rates, residential versus potable water rates, there’s two different systems there,” he said. “Potable would be from the river to the water treatment plant, the water treatment plant out to the distribution connections. Within the City of Lloydminster, there’s the entire distribution system.
“They might not always be identical. There might be some variance there, but we do go through those capital projects and adjust, which is why there’s an increase on this one.”
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers said its important to have everyone paying their fair share.
“This really reinforces the water master plan and other master plans, because we are not just looking after our own taxpayers and the needs of the community, our services are extending outwards, so making sure we have current costs,” he said.
Dela Rosa said the city has accounted for everything when determining the water rates.
“We have accounted for our current operating costs and that projected inflationary adjustments. We also accounted for our five-year capital cost and overhead expenditures,” she said. “We feel we’re confident in terms of proposing the rates that we have in front of you. It accounts for all of the costs required to produce a cubic metre of water.”
Stang pointed out the calculations are made with no grant funding in mind.
“The calculations are based on no grant funding for any of the capital projects that may or may not be ahead of us over the next five years,” he said. “We feel the rate is reasonable and equitable.”
Administration further clarified the volume for ACE and SaskWater is limited by their contracts.
Council approved the new water rates through to 2030.
Read more: VIDEO: Water systems outlined for Lloyd council
