Fees for certain municipal services will be increasing in the new year.

Wood Buffalo council approved a 17 per cent increase for different municipal services at their meeting on Tuesday.

This includes utility rates, transit, landfill disposal, permits, and recreation activities.

Despite the increase, the municipality says these current rates are still below the provincial average.

“The Municipality has been offering services at highly discounted rates that are no longer sustainable,” said Linda Ollivier, Director of Financial Services, in a release.

This is the second time in the last 10 years, following 2017, where the municipality has raised the costs for these utilities.

“The current user rates are far below what our operational costs are and on average 25 per cent lower than other Alberta municipalities,” added Ollivier.

“Adjustments are needed to ensure the direct user is paying the appropriate fee for services, while reducing the subsidy from the municipal tax base.”

The changes will take effect on January 1, 2020.