Infrastructure Fee – What You Need to Know

What is the Infrastructure Fee and why is this fee needed?

The Town of Tisdale has introduced an Infrastructure Fee to help fund future maintenance, repair, and replacement of the community’s water and sewer systems. The fee will appear as a separate charge on each bi-monthly utility bill. Because it is a fixed fee, the amount does not change based on your water consumption.

Phasing in the fee gives the Town an opportunity to gradually build funding for future infrastructure renewal while considering the financial impact on residents and businesses. By setting aside funding now, the Town can take a more planned approach to future infrastructure needs and help reduce the risk of costly emergency repairs and service interruptions.

How will the fee be used?

Revenue from the Infrastructure Fee is intended to be placed in the Town’s utility capital reserves and used to help fund future water and sewer infrastructure projects. Potential projects could include, but are not limited to:

• Replacing aging water mains
• Repairing or upgrading the Water Treatment Plant
• Addressing high-priority infrastructure renewal
• Improving system capacity and reliability
• Completing other work necessary to maintain safe and dependable water and sewer services

Is the Infrastructure Fee a tax?
No. It is a utility charge established under the Town’s Water and Sewer Bylaw.

Can the Town use this money for other Town expenses?
The fee is intended specifically to support water and sewer capital infrastructure needs. Revenue is directed to the applicable utility capital reserve and remains subject to the Town’s bylaws and approved budgets.