Town of Peace River has reviewed its fees and charges bylaw in time for 2026, with various increases expected to happen to various services.
“Annual reviews ensure fees remain aligned with the actual cost of delivering services and reflect changes in operating expenses,” explains Mayor Shelly Shannon.
“Some fees have been adjusted to better reflect service costs, while others remain unchanged to minimize impact on residents,” she adds.
Adjustments will include an increase to the tax certificate fees, a two per cent increase on all rental rates, lessons, and course rates, Baytex admission rates and pool rates will remain the same, museum rates will increase by two per cent, home support rates will also remain the same as 2024 rates.
Changes will be implemented Jan. 1.
“Implementing changes at the start of the calendar year provides clarity, consistency, and predictability for both residents and administration,” says Shannon.
“Costs to deliver services have increased due to inflation, labour, and materials. Adjusting fees helps ensure services can be maintained without shifting the burden to property taxes.”
Other increases will be made to pool locker rental rates to reflect industry rates, and ball diamond team rates increasing by five per cent to $412.65 for adult teams and $101.85 for minor teams. Taxi Pass Booklets will be increased to $30 from $25. Finally, criminal record check fees will increase to $30, with the fee waived still for volunteers.
“Most impacts are modest,” says Shannon.
“The goal is to balance affordability for residents while maintaining service levels and financial responsibility,” she concludes.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter