Utility Bylaw Rate Changes
In 2022, Lacombe City Council updated the City of Lacombe's Utility Bylaw 450. The new Utility Bylaw introduced a five-year phase-in of a new utility rate structure with more equitable fixed rates between residential and non-residential ratepayers starting in 2024. These changes to the Bylaw intend to ensure the ongoing viability of the City's self-funded utilities.
The Bylaw establishes equitable rates by introducing a tiered disposal fee for all non‐residential City utility customers, regardless of whether they utilize City collection services. The Bylaw also introduces tiered water and wastewater fixed fees for residential and non-residential customers based on meter size and wastewater service line size to address less significant rate inequities in those utilities.
The City of Lacombe chose to phase in these changes over five years to allow non-residential utility clients, who may see significant changes to their utility bills, the time to adapt to the incoming changes – and make any alterations to their accounts (I.e., installing a different water meter) if it is feasible to do so.
To learn more, please Choose the following category which best applies to you:
In 2022, Lacombe City Council updated the City of Lacombe's Utility Bylaw 450. The new Utility Bylaw introduced a five-year phase-in of a new utility rate structure with more equitable fixed rates between residential and non-residential ratepayers starting in 2024. These changes to the Bylaw intend to ensure the ongoing viability of the City's self-funded utilities.
The following is a potential example of how the new utility rate structure will affect customers in Lacombe:
| Customer Type | 2023 Typical Monthly Bill | Transitioning to by 2028 | 2023-28 Average % Change y-y |
| Single Family Home | $170.70 | $172.67 | +1.1% |
| Large Apartment | $4,067.45 | $4,795.01 | +3.7% |
Residential customers should click the link below for an explanation of upcoming changes to their utility bills:
Utility Rate Changes for Non-Residential Customers
Starting May 1st, 2024, planned changes to the City of Lacombe’s utility billing take effect. In preparation for the upcoming changes, the City is updating its utility customer database.
The City is asking non-residential customers to confirm their water meter sizes and, if known, their sanitary sewer service pipe size by completing this form. You can additionally submit the form to UtilityBylaw@Lacombe.ca or by dropping it off at City Hall (5432 56th Avenue).
If you are a non-residential customer who utilizes third-party collection, a separate letter and its attachments are available below requesting additional information:
- Non-Residential Third Party Collection Notice (PDF)
- Non-Residential Customer Monthly Solid Waste Volume Report (PDF)
- Letter of Notice and Consent (PDF)
Below is an example of how your new utility bill compares to the City’s previous bills:
How will these changes affect my Utility Bill?
Your utility bill will include additional lines reflecting a new solid waste disposal (landfill) fee and the new fixed fees for water and wastewater based on meter size and wastewater service pipe size. These fee changes are described further below. The estimated impact on typical City utility customers’ monthly bills overall is as follows:
| Customer Type | 2023 Typical Monthly Bill | Transitioning to by 2028 | 2023-28 Average % Change y-y |
| Small Business | $289.74 | $309.10 | +2.0% |
| Medium Business | $725.79 | $963.16 | +5.4% |
| Large Business | $4,129.32 | $4,471.61 | +2.0% |
| Very Large Business/Institution | $4,581.91 | $5,753.39 | +4.3% |
What are the changes?
In 2023, the Utility Bylaw introduced a solid waste disposal (landfill) fee for all City utility customers. For non-residential customers, the disposal fee is tiered based on the total monthly disposal volume available to the customer, as follows:
- Tier 1 - up to 20yd3
- Tier 2 - 21yd3 to 50yd3
- Tier 3 - 51yd3 to 100yd3
- Tier 4 - over 100yd3
This change ensures all customers pay a proportionate share of the City's disposal costs at the Lacombe Regional Waste Services (LWRSC) landfill/transfer station. Currently, the disposal fee is $0, but starting in 2024, the City will phase in the new disposal (landfill) fee over 5 years. At the same time, the City will lower its solid waste collection fees. The estimated 2024-2031 rates for solid waste services are shown on the following graph:
In 2023, the Utility Bylaw also introduced water and wastewater fixed fees for all customers based on the nominal meter size and nominal wastewater service line size. The fees are separated into 4 groups for water meter size and 4 groups for wastewater service line size as follows:
Water utility fixed fee groups based on water meter size:
- Group 1 - up to 25mm (1")
- Group 2 - 30mm to 50mm (11/4" to 2")
- Group 3 - 75mm to 100mm (3" to 4")
- Group 4 - 150mm and greater (6"+)
Wastewater utility fixed fee groups based on wastewater service line size:
- Group 1 - up to 100mm (4")
- Group 2 - 150mm (6")
- Group 3 - 200mm (8")
- Group 4 - 250mm and greater (10"+)
Utility rates based on meter size and wastewater service line size ensure the customer's basic charges on their utility bills are proportional to their benefit from the oversized system as they can draw more water from the water system or dispose of more wastewater to the wastewater system on demand. Customers with lower demands will pay a lower basic amount. Starting in 2024, the city will phase in the new water/wastewater fixed fees over 5 years. The estimated 2024-2031 rates for water and wastewater services are shown in the following graphs:
Next Steps for You
- Review the fixed fee water group, fixed fee wastewater group, and solid waste disposal fee tier the City currently has on file for your account.
- To request an update/change to the fixed fee water group, fixed fee wastewater group, and solid waste disposal fee tier, Please fill out this form with your utility account number ready and email the attached form to UtilityBylaw@Lacombe.ca or drop it off at City Hall (5432 56th Avenue) before November 30, 2023.
- If no updates/changes are required, no further action is required from you.
For help determining the size of your water meter or wastewater service pipe, contact the Utilities Department at UtilityBylaw@Lacombe.ca or 403-782-1261.
If you are a non-residential customer who utilizes third-party collection, a separate letter and its attachments are available below requesting additional information:
The City of Lacombe has recently passed Bylaw 450, which introduces new utility rates.
These rates will apply to all properties in the city, including those with mixed-use residential/non-residential zoning. If you own or occupy a mixed-use property, you may have questions about how the new rates will affect your utility bills.
To help you understand the changes and how they will impact your property, the City invites you to go to City Hall, located at 5432 56 Avenue.
You can also call 403-782-6666 or email utilities@lacombe.ca to speak with a staff member.
The City appreciates your cooperation and understanding as we implement the new utility rates in Bylaw 450.
Additional Information
For additional information, the City of Lacombe has created a list of frequently asked questions.
If you are a new resident or business in the City of Lacombe, you can learn more about signing up for utilities here or you can come into City Hall (5432 56th Avenue).