YORKTON – Residents in Yorkton will see another jump in their water bills in the new year after council voted in favour of an increase to utility rates.
Effective January 1, water and sewer rates will increase 8.91 per cent. For the average household, the increase works out to roughly $7 a month.
During Monday’s council meeting, Director of Environmental Services Connor Hunt said the change stems from the updated 2025–27 multi-year rate model.
Hunt also outlined plans for a new Emergency Disposal Containment rate. The wastewater treatment plant currently handles deleterious substances hauled in by hydrovac using an emergency containment lagoon that requires significant time and resources. The surcharge is intended to cover the cost of that process.
Yorkton Mayor Aaron Kienle said the utility has long been underfunded and has struggled to keep up with necessary maintenance and repair work.
He said the city could reduce the cost of emergency repairs through more timely upkeep but added that the water utility must be self-sustaining.
Kienle emphasized that water rates operate separately from property taxes, which fund services such as roads, police, fire and community facilities.
The base rate will rise by about $5, with typical water use adding another $2 to the monthly bill.
Kienle said Yorkton remains on the lower end of water fees in Saskatchewan, and the adjustment brings the city closer to the middle of the pack.
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