Council chambers, image via RMWB.ca
FORT McMURRAY — Council has signed off on a new fee schedule for 2026 that keeps most municipal charges unchanged but raises some rates for garbage, landfill, cemetery and development services while holding the line on transit and most utility costs.
At its Nov. 25 meeting, council approved administration’s recommendation to update a range of user fees under the Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw, with most of the new prices taking effect April 1, 2026. Officials say the changes are meant to better reflect the cost of providing individual services while easing the draw on the property tax base.
Monthly curbside garbage and recycling fees will rise by about $4 to $5 per household, depending on location. Landfill disposal rates are also being updated, with some categories going up, some going down and others staying the same. Compost, yard clippings and household electronic waste will continue to be accepted at no cost, but residents and businesses are being urged to review the new schedule and plan ahead before it comes into force.
Planning and development charges are being adjusted as well. Several residential and non-residential fees, including development permits, plumbing and gas permits and appliance venting permits, will increase. The municipality says overlapping fees are being consolidated to make the system clearer and more transparent for applicants.
In other areas, rates are largely frozen. Transit fares will remain the same for 2026, except for the rural adult five ride booklet. Municipal water and wastewater utility rates are also unchanged, with the exception of bulk water and sewage lagoon charges.
Council also approved an amendment to keep sports field rental rates for user groups at last year’s levels. The municipality says some fees across the broader schedule have been reduced or removed entirely, although details were not highlighted in the summary.
Overall, the adjustments are expected to generate about $1.8 million in additional revenue. Administration says the money will help offset the cost of delivering services to residents and organizations, reduce the subsidy from general taxation and support a fiscally responsible budget.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says its fees remain among the lowest in Alberta after comparing rates with similar municipalities during the annual bylaw review. The updated schedule is contained in Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw 25/026, which aligns with council’s User Fees and Charges Policy FIN-030. Residents can see the full list of rates at rmwb.ca/userfees or contact Pulse for more information.
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