Lethbridge residents will see their water bills increase by more than 18 percent over the next four years following city council's approval of a historic $285-million upgrade to the city's wastewater treatment plant. The project, the largest infrastructure investment in the city's history, aims to modernize aging facilities and meet environmental standards.
Rate Increase Details
The phased rate hike will begin in 2026, with annual increases of approximately 4.5 percent. By 2030, the average household water bill is expected to rise from $1,200 to about $1,420 per year. City officials emphasize that the increases are necessary to fund critical upgrades that will improve water quality and ensure long-term sustainability.
Infrastructure Investment
The $285-million project includes upgrading treatment processes, expanding capacity, and implementing advanced technologies to reduce environmental impact. The plant, originally built in the 1970s, requires significant modernization to handle growing population demands and stricter regulatory requirements.
Council members voted 7-2 in favor of the plan, with some expressing concerns about affordability for low-income households. To mitigate impacts, the city will introduce a rebate program for eligible residents. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and take approximately five years to complete.
Mayor Blaine Hyggen stated, "This investment is essential for our community's future. While no one welcomes higher bills, the cost of inaction would be far greater." Environmental groups have praised the upgrades, noting they will reduce nutrient pollution in the Oldman River.
