Fort Saskatchewan has about six months to make meaningful progress towards resolving their concerns with the local water commission, according to its letter sent to the Capital Region Northeast Water Services Commission last week.

"The City is looking for a fair rate structure and a mechanism to protect that rate structure and protect critical bylaws, now and into the future," Mayor Lisa Makin states in her letter sent with the approval of City Council.

"The City is open to the possibility that a suitable outcome can be reached through good faith discussions without prejudice to its ability to rely on the notice of withdrawal in the event the City’s concerns are not resolved.

"To ensure clarity, the City is working with the Commission on resolution and the City is simultaneously working on preliminary design of an alternate supply in the event we cannot reach resolution," Makin adds.

Fort Saskatchewan has almost completed a preliminary design for an independent water supply line, and a request for funding detailed design is expected to come before City Council for approval this fall.

"This means we have a window of approximately six months to make meaningful progress on resolving our concerns with the Commission," Makin says.

Fort Saskatchewan officials feel Fort residents pay more than they should for water, as we use only a portion of the commission's system, Makin says. "The City would like to see a rate structure for 2027 and beyond that more closely aligns with the benefit we receive from the network."

Fort Saskatchewan officials also want to ensure they have better control of the commission. "The City is looking for a mechanism to protect itself against unfavorable changes to the rate structure and critical bylaws," Makin writes.

Fort Saskatchewan gave official notice to the commission in 2021 that we intend to leave the commission on Dec. 31, 2030. A 10 year notice is required under the rules of the commission.