IWMC looking to increase rates

P.E.I. residents will be paying more to get rid of their trash in the new year if an application in front of the Island’s regulatory body passes.

The Island Waste Management Corporation (IWMC) has applied to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) for approval of increases in its rates. IWMC’s CEO Gerry Moore said there hasn’t been an increase in nearly a decade.

“It’s been eight years since we haven’t had any rate changes, and the time’s kind of caught up with us.”

The current fee structure was approved by IRAC in December of 2011 and came into effect Jan. 1, 2012. The application, which can be viewed online (irac.pe.ca/ wastemanagement), states that since that date, IWMC has been able to manage its operations without having to increase its rates in order to meet financial obligations.

“Based on historic, current and projected financials, IWMC feels a modest increase at this time is the best alternative, versus having Islanders see a more significant increase as an outcome of a future rate application.”

The application continues by saying the increase will enable the corporation to continue its waste management programs moving forward.

“These increases are primarily required to cover increases in contracted collection, transportation and processing costs, as well as other minor inflationary compounding increases to other costs since our last rate adjustment in 2012.”

Moore said it is now up to IRAC to decide if the request is reasonable and if it going to approve it or not. In the meantime, residents can have their say. Those wishing to comment on the application can do so by writing to IRAC at iwmc@ irac.pe.ca or by mailing to the following address by Dec. 20: Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission, P.O. Box 577, Charlottetown, P.E.I., C1A 7L1.