Utilities & Public Services

Application for Utility Services

At the Regular Council meeting on the 27^th of March, 2023, Council approved an increase to the water, sewer and garbage rates for a three year period. The rate changes will be effective on your July 2023 utility bill. Additional changes will occur on the 1^st of January in the years 2024, 2025 and 2026.
 
The Town endeavours to ensure that water, sewer and garbage rates cover the expenses of our operations and also sets aside money for future capital replacements or upgrades. A major capital upgrade that the Town is facing is a legislated requirement to upgrade our lagoon system. This project alone is estimated at $10,000,000. If the Town is successful in acquiring grants we will still have to come up with around $4,000,000. Sewer rates will therefore be raised by $5 per month in the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 to help pay for these required upgrades.
 
Council is committed to keeping the cost of living as low as possible for our residents. Below is a summary of what the new utility rates will look like and how they compare to some neighbouring municipalities. 

Single Detached Residential Utility Rates for Picture Butte:

Utility rates for all rate classifications for Water, Sewer and Garbage services are included in Bylaw No. 958-25 - Service Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw

The Town of Picture Butte provides water, sewer and garbage services. Utility accounts must be in the name of the registered property owner. To avoid any service disruptions or unnecessary fees, be sure to download and complete the Application for Utility Services and submit it to the Town Office prior to your possession date.

Selling your home? Complete the Utility Disconnect Form to administratively disconnect services.

Now you can have your utility bill emailed directly to your inbox and have your bill paid automatically! No more checking for bills at the post office or worrying about due dates and late penalties. All you need to do is is fill out and sign the here and bring it to the Town Office or email to admin@picturebutte.ca

Water Rationing Plan

The Town of Picture Butte Council has passed Bylaw No. 950-24 that will amend our current Utility Bylaw on May 27, 2024. The amendments include:

1. A Water Rationing Action plan - here
2. Adding penalties to non compliance of the Water Rationing Action Plan  

The Town receives treated water from the City of Lethbridge. As part of the agreement that manages that understanding, the Town agrees that it will implement the same kind of policies related to water use as the City does.
 
The Town of Picture Butte Water Rationing Action Plan and the proposed penalties to non-compliance of those restrictions are consistent with the City of Lethbridge Water Rationing Action Plan and penalties. The major difference is if water restrictions are implemented the Town of Picture Butte will only be allowed to use irrigation for our gardens on MONDAYS. The City of Lethbridge residents will also only be allowed to use irrigation for their gardens one day a week but their day is decided upon according to what day they have their garbage picked up.
 
The City of Lethbridge will notify all users that receive treated water from the City when they are implementing a certain stage of water restrictions according to their Water Rationing Action Plan. The Town of Picture Butte will then notify our residents of that decision and implement the Town’s Water Rationing Action Plan. 
 
For more information on the City of Lethbridge response to the Provincial water shortages please see: www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation

Service Providers

Check out energyrates.ca to compare electricity and gas rates.