November 21, 2025
Proposed Utility Rates Increasing with Inflation in 2026
After reviewing the 2025 utility reserves, including water, wastewater, and resource recovery, City of Nelson staff are recommending an inflation-level increase for 2026.
The 2026 utility budgets continue to build our reserves for future capital projects planned over the next decade, including:
- Forcemainre placement (50 years old)
- Upgrades to the 5 Mile pipeline (100 years old)
- A new wastewater treatment facility (50 years old)
For most residential properties, this works out to about $8 more per month, and for a commercial restaurant with 50 seats about $18 more per month. These adjustments help close the gap between current rates and the actual rate of inflation; since 2017 inflation has averaged 3.0%, while the City's water and wastewater rates have increased an average of 2.4%.
Equally important is ensuring that we are able to continue making the much-needed investment in our utilities, so they will be able to provide crucial water and wastewater services for residents for generations to come.
An increase to resource recovery fees is also being proposed, which cover garbage, recycling, and the organics diversion program. The increase is $2 per month, while the cost of garbage tags will remain at $1.75 per tag.
The City will continue working closely with partners including the RDCK, to find efficiencies in resource recovery and explore new tools and communications to help residents manage household waste and water use.
The Nov. 14 budget meeting was one in a series where City departments present their proposed budgets for the coming year, along with long-term plans and major projects. These meetings will continue into the new year, and the final 2026 budget is expected to be presented for adoption in the spring.
To watch this meeting, or any special council budget meeting, visit the City of Nelson’s YouTube channel.