The City of Swift Current is looking to raise residential waste collection rates for the first time since 2020.
Residential waste collection fees could increase by $1.25, while recycling fees may be marked up by $0.25. The current rate, according to City of Swift Current manager of environmental services Keegan Story, for household residential waste is $10.50 per month.
The new fee would total, according to Story, $11.75 for household residential waste, and the landfill tipping fee $125 per tonne, with City residents receiving a $20 per tonne discount.
“Notice of motion was given of the intention for amendment to the City’s bylaw at city council,” said Story. “Nothing is official at this point. The intended rate change would be in January, if it goes through.”
The reason the City is upping the rates is due to insufficient cost coverage.
“While operational improvements have helped manage costs, they are no longer sufficient to cover the rising expenses and future infrastructure needs,” said Story.
It was noted in the city council report that, going forward, there will be an annual increase of 1.5 per cent, should this change be implemented.
Swift Current city council gave notice of their intention to consider the changes to be implemented to the residential waste collection rates in the City of Swift Current’s Solid Waste Bylaw No, 5 – 1993.