MAPLETON – User fees and charges are likely to increase in Mapleton Township and council could approve the updated rates on Oct. 14.
Municipal user fees and charges cover costs of services and goods that benefit specific users as opposed to the community as a whole.
A draft bylaw with updated rates was presented to council on Sept. 23.
Most rates are set to increase by 3.1 per cent to cover inflation, while others, such as planning and building fees, may climb at a higher rate.
If the draft bylaw is approved, planning fees will increase incrementally by 52% over three years, with a 17% increase in 2026 in addition to the 3.1% increase for inflation.
Building fees would increase by 5% in addition to inflation.
Water and wastewater fees and charges are not included in the draft bylaw, as Mapleton’s new Northern Maple Utilities board will determine those rates and forward them to council for approval.
There was no discussion from council during the September meeting.
Finance director Patrick Kelly said, “Municipalities are limited in access to revenue tools, with the exception of our property tax base, so we’re consistently seeking alternative revenue tools whenever possible.”
Deputy treasurer Rachel Carter led a recent review and update of the fees and charges bylaw, and said the approach was “pretty consistent with past years.”
She said the finance department “collaborated with each department to ensure fees were increased appropriately and any new fees or additional details were added or changed to appropriately ensure that the charges are clear for the public and sufficient to cover related costs.”
