Prince Albert’s Water Utility Rates Low despite record Investments

Over the past 15 years, Prince Albert has invested over $100 million in water and sewer infrastructure producing some of the safest, cleanest, most reliable water in Western Canada. Today, Prince Albert City Council approved a 3-Year Utility Rate Program to increase water utility rates by 3% each year.

The increases will amount to an additional $3.25/month for an average water user. With the increase, Prince Albert water utility customers will continue to pay the second lowest rates for water in the province. 

The additional revenues will address an outstanding deficit in the water utility fund following years of investment.

"The City of Prince Albert has spent over a decade investing in core water and sewer infrastructure to catch up on years of neglect," said Mayor Greg Dionne. "We now have one of the most reliable water and sewer systems in the province. The additional funds will improve our financial position in the water utility fund so we can continue to support safe, clean drinking water for our customers."

Over $100 million has been invested in water and sewer infrastructure in the last 15 years. Notable projects include:

-          Raw Water Pumphouse - $18.9 million

-          River Street Water Reservoir and Pumphouse - $14.8 million

-          Second Avenue West and Marquis Road Reservoir Upgrades - $6.2 million

-          Replacement and upgrade of 12 sewage pumping stations - $12.7 million

-          Water Treatment Plant Filters - $0.6 million

-          West Hill Infrastructure Project  - $10.0 million

-          Water Treatment Plant Upgrades - $24.0 million

-          West Hill Sewer Trunk Main - $3.8 million

-          City-wide water meter replacements - $4.0 million

This list does not include the investments made in ongoing capital maintenance projects including the water main replacement program, hydrant replacement program, lead service replacement program, and sewer and storm replacement program. It also does not include operational costs associated with the skilled operators required to run the Water Treatment Plan and Sewage Treatment plant 24 hours a day or the water and sewer crews that maintain the underground infrastructure.

Following record investments, one of the final major capital infrastructure projects for the water and sewer system is the upgrade of the City's Waste Water Treatment Plant. This project is in the design phase and will be considered for construction once funding programs are identified through senior levels of government.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Mayor Greg Dionne
(306) 953-4300

Wes Hicks
Public Works Director
(306) 953-4900

Cheryl Tkachuk
Financial Services Director
(306) 953-4350