Fort officials are uncertain that leaving the regional water commission will save money for local residents, City Council heard last week.

Fort Saskatchewan officials have been unhappy with the Capital Region Northeast Water Services Commission for almost a decade, saying we are getting a bad deal.

The commission is now considering a new rate for Fort residents, but has yet to nail down exactly what that rate will be, Engineering Project Consultant Jeff Hutton said Tuesday.

That rate could be as low as $1.52 per cubic metre, and as high as $1.84. "We're not really comfortable with the price in the new customer class," Hutton said.

Building our own new water line to Edmonton would mean paying at least $1.70 per cubic metre and as high as $1.80. The higher estimate is likely correct, Hutton warned, as the lower price depends on getting provincial grants, and a project of this type does not qualify for grants.

Hutton says Fort Saskatchewan officials are expecting to build our own water line at this point. But talks are still ongoing, and we may yet stick with the water commission. "I wouldn't say we're optimistic, but it certainly is still possible."