Wastewater, transit fees on the rise
Increases needed to fund capital, maintain services
Increasing city fees mean that flushing your toilet will cost you 13.5 per cent more in 2014.
Also on the rise in the new year are a number of transit and recreation fees, although those increases are smaller.
The sanitary wastewater service charge for residential metered customers will increase to $16.15 per 30 days, and the usage rate will climb from roughly $0.89 to just over $1.
The increased charges are needed to fund investment in the wastewater system and the city’s wastewater treatment plant, said Rob Spackman, the city’s director of water resources.
As the city starts preparing its budget for the 2015-2018 business cycle, Spackman said there will be more capital requirements for the wastewater system that could translate into higher fees.
“We have to continue to expand the wastewater system to respond to growth,” said Spackman.
Water rates will increase 7.4 per cent for residential metered customers to $15.75 per 30 days. Here’s what else is going up: Monthly recycling and waste pickup will go up 30 cents and 20 cents, respectively.
Youth monthly transit passes will increase to $60, up from $57.50. A booklet of 10 youth tickets will cost $2.50 more at $20, and a single ride will cost $2, up from $1.75.
Adult daily fares haven’t changed, though the monthly pass will increase $2 to $96.
The low-income transit pass will go up $4 to $48.
City spokesperson Stephen Tauro says the increases are inflation-related and will help Calgary Transit maintain its level of service.
Fees for swimming pools, leisure centres, arenas and city-owned golf courses are going up, too.
General admission to leisure centres is increasing four per cent to $11.45.
Pool admissions are increasing 3.6 per cent for Tier 1 pools to $5.75 and 3.8 per cent for Tier 2 pools to $6.80. Annual pool passes will go up four per cent to $437.50 for Tier 1 pools and $513.96 for Tier 2 pools.
Golfers will see fee increases ranging from 2.1 per cent for a weekend 18 holes at Shaganappi to a 6.3 per cent increase on a nine-hole game at McCall Lake.
Weekday admission for 18 holes will be $42 at McCall Lake, $43 at Shaganappi and $50 at Maple Ridge. On weekends, fees will be $47 at McCall Lake, $48 at Shaganappi and $55 at Maple Ridge.
Admission fees and annual passes to Heritage Park are also increasing. The cost of an adult annual pass with rides included will increase 13 per cent to $68.24.