Residents in Leduc, Alberta, are seeing higher utility bills this year as the city implements updated rates for water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste services for 2026.
The city-wide adjustment follows the approval of the 2026 operating and capital budgets by Leduc City Council on December 8, 2025. While the city worked to limit the annual tax increase to 3.8 percent in response to concerns about affordability, costs for essential utility services have risen.
According to the city, the new monthly rates include increases across all four utility categories. Water fixed rates have risen by 22 cents per month, with usage charges increasing by 20 cents per cubic metre. Wastewater usage costs have jumped by 86 cents per cubic metre, alongside a 20-cent monthly increase to the fixed rate. Additionally, residents will see stormwater fees rise by $1 per month and solid waste charges increase by 77 cents per month.
City officials state that approximately 64 percent of these utility rate increases are driven by higher costs passed on from regional service providers, specifically Arrow Utilities and the Capital Region Southwest Water Services Commission. Arrow Utilities, which manages wastewater for 13 municipalities in the Edmonton region, is increasing its wholesale rate by 34 percent to fund critical infrastructure upgrades and expansion at its treatment plant. Much of this regional infrastructure dates back to the 1980s and requires significant maintenance and replacement to support continued population growth.
The Capital Region Southwest Water Services Commission facilitates the delivery of water to Leduc and several neighbouring communities by purchasing supply from EPCOR Water Services. As the city continues to manage the infrastructure needs of its growing population, utility services remain one of the top three service areas requiring funding within the city’s $149.1 million operating budget.
Mayor Lars Hansen noted that council focused on balancing the need for reliable service levels with resident feedback regarding costs. Further details regarding the 2026 rate breakdown can be found in the City of Leduc Fees Bylaw.
