(Cochrane, AB) – The Town of Cochrane presented the findings of a comprehensive utility rate review to Council on November 12, outlining proposed changes to water, wastewater and stormwater rates for 2027 and beyond.
Completed by Urban Systems, the review examined the cost of delivering utility services, the infrastructure required to support Cochrane's growing population and the funding needed to maintain and replace essential infrastructure over time.
Based on the proposed rates, a typical residential utility bill would increase by approximately $14.20 per month in 2027, from $102.78 to $116.98. This represents an increase of approximately 14%, with smaller increases of 5% and 4% projected for 2028 and 2029.
These amounts do not include waste, recycling and organics collection or the Eco Centre Management Fee, which are proposed to remain unchanged in 2027 at $26.65 and $5 per month, respectively.
"Water, wastewater and stormwater services are essential to our community, and maintaining these systems requires thoughtful, long-term financial planning," said Shawn Tooth, Director of Utilities for the Town of Cochrane. "We recognize that increasing utility costs place additional pressure on households. This review helps us better understand the true cost of delivering these services, plan for future infrastructure needs and establish rates that are fair and financially sustainable."
The review identified several factors influencing future utility rates, including:
- Rising wastewater treatment costs: Cochrane sends its wastewater to the City of Calgary for treatment. Significant increases in Calgary's treatment charges are anticipated beginning in 2027, representing a major driver of the proposed wastewater rate increases.
- Long-term infrastructure investment: Utility rates must support day-to-day operations, ongoing maintenance and the eventual replacement of water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
- Fair and equitable rates: The review recommends adjustments to better reflect the cost of providing services to different customer groups, including residential, multi-family, commercial and irrigation customers.
- Water conservation: Proposed changes to residential water consumption tiers would continue to encourage responsible water use while reflecting current consumption patterns.
For a typical residential household, the proposed monthly utility costs in 2027, based on a consumption of 12 cubic meters per month, are:
| Utility service | 2026 | Proposed 2027 |
| Water Infrastructure Fee** | $0 | $5.31 |
| Water fixed charge | $18.95 | $21.23 |
| Water consumptive charge | $16.08 | $17.28 |
| Wastewater fixed charge | $25.99 | $31.34 |
| Wastewater consumptive charge | $31.2 | $34.44 |
| Waste/recycling/organics collection | $26.65 | $26.65 |
| Eco Centre management fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Storm sewer fee | $7.99 | $9.88 |
| Total monthly bill | $131.86 | $151.13 |
** The new Water Infrastructure Fee of $5.31 per month will support water capital projects.
Actual costs will vary depending on household water consumption and the applicable rate structure.
The proposed rates are intended to support reliable utility services while building financial reserves for future infrastructure replacement and reducing the risk of more significant rate increases over time.
The utility rate review was presented to Council on November 12 as part of the Town's 2027 budget process. The proposed rates are not yet final and will be considered alongside other budget priorities before Council makes its final decision.
Council is scheduled to consider adoption of the 2027 budget on December 7, 2026. Residents can learn more about the proposed 2027 budget and utility rates at letstalkcochrane.ca/budget.
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