Apply for Approval of Water and Sewer Rates

The LGC reviews and makes decisions on utility rates for water or sewer services set by municipalities other than cities.

The LGC also approves discounts or penalties for water or sewer services.

A municipality or corporation that provides a public utility service may set:

• utility rates; and
• discounts or additional charges on overdue amounts.

These items must be approved by the LGC.

The LGC's approval is based on the following criteria:

• that rates are equitable to all users; and
• revenue generated by the utility is sufficient to offset all expenses including maintenance and debt retirement resulting from borrowing for capital utility projects.

The intent is to have a self-sustaining utility and create a reserve for maintenance and future capital projects.

You may apply to the LGC if:

• you submit a completed utility fund summary form;
Criteria:
• you are a municipality other than a city, or you are a public utility corporation who has been given the authority to set utility rates, penalties or discounts; and
• you would like to change the utility rates, penalties or discounts charged to your customers.

If you are eligible to apply:

1. Complete the application to the LGC and include all required documents listed in the application.


2. Submit the application to the LGC:
• personally by emailing, submitting online, or delivering;
• by registered mail; or
• by regular mail.

• Step 1 (Saving file): Right-click on "Application to the Local Government Committee" box below then select "Save Link as..." or "Save Target as..." and save the file to your computer.
• Step 2 (Opening file): Open the PDF using Adobe Acrobat® or Adobe Reader®, version 8 or later.

Application to the Local Government Committee

Legislation that applies to municipal utility rates includes:

• The Municipal Board Act
• The Municipalities Act
• The Northern Municipalities Act, 2010

Sample bylaws are available to guide municipalities. These samples are for information purposes only and should be revised to suit your situation:

• Bylaw to Amend Water and Sewer Rates
• Bylaw to Amend Water and Sewer Schedules
• Bylaw to Repeal Previous Bylaws
• Bylaw to Fix Water and Sewer Flat Rates
• Bylaw to Fix Metered Water Rates and Flat Sewer Rates