A bylaw was passed in June to raise water rates in Portage la Prairie, and now is your chance to voice your opinion. City Council Waterworks Committee Chair Wayne Wall gives an outline.

"Part of the process in raising water rates, of course, is an application to the Public Utilities Board (PUB), and public notice," says Wall. "So, we're in the public notice phase right now. We've posted this rate change notice at City Hall, Operations, the Fire Hall, RCMP, and the Portage Co-op Food Store for the public to view."

He says the entire application can be viewed at City Hall or through the Public Utilities Board.

Wayne WallIf you have concerns, Wall says you can submit your comments to the PUB, who then forward them to the City. He notes your comments will be reviewed and it will then be determined if public hearings will be required. Wall says hearings don't usually happen as a result.

"For you and I at our homes, they're going up two percent, which is pretty much in line with inflation," continues Wall. "So, it shouldn't be too much of a hardship. Water for 3,000 gallons will be $18.12. That's $6.04 per thousand gallons. So, it's gone up 12 cents per thousand gallons."

The customer service charge has also gone up, as well as the sewer rates, with a two percent increase.

Wall says one area's seen more of an increase. He notes Portage has a four-step rate, where the more water that is used allows for less to be paid per thousand gallons. Wall explains the large users such as McCain and Simplot stand at Step Four. Money being spent on water and wastewater utility upgrades has caused their rates to be raised three percent. Wall adds this is part of the City's philosophy of moving each of the four steps closer together so that eventually there is one rate for everyone.

The deadline to make your concerns known about the changes is August 25th.