The RSR Wastewater Cooperative Ltd. has applied to the Public Utilities Board for initial interim wastewater rates to recover initial operating costs. You can click the link below to read the full public notice.
Public Notice for Proposed RSR Wastewater Rate Increases
RSR Public Utilities Board Public Notice Q&As
Q – What is the purpose of these proposed rate increases?
A – These rate increases are being proposed to assist municipalities in meeting their required contributions to RSR during the construction phase of the wastewater treatment facility. The funds collected will simply pass through the local municipality and will go straight to RSR for project costs.
Q – Why does the RSR need funds?
A – The construction phase is expected to span several years. During this time, it will incur pre-operating expenses for employee training, insurance, consultant fees, etc. In addition, as part of the funding model, RSR is required to maintain a reserve balance to ensure adequate funds are available to pay contractors in a timely fashion as we receive their invoices.
Q – Why are the fees not the same across the different municipalities?
A – The required contribution to RSR from each municipality is based on its own estimated treatment requirements, expressed as a percentage of the total estimated requirements of all the RSR member municipalities. These percentages were used to determine the amount each municipality will have to pay. Each municipality will pass the surcharge along to their residents based on their consumption billings consistent with the Public Utility Board Order. As each municipality has its own billing cycle structure, each proposed rate is tailored to best meet the needs of the municipality it affects.
Q – Why is there an increase in the rate over the 3 periods?
A – To help ease any shock these surcharges may cause to residents, RSR has proposed using an increasing scale rather than a straight increase across the board, allowing for a smaller increase at the beginning. The weighting of the surcharge is broken into the first 4 quarters (50% of the expected annual charge), the second 5 quarters (100% of the expected annual charge), and finally the last 4 quarters (150% of the expected annual charge).
Q – What are tipping fees?
A – Residents who are not connected to a municipal sewer system must pay to have their septic tanks pumped on a regular basis. The waste from these tanks is then disposed of at a lagoon. The $70/$140 fee will replace all existing fees across the municipality, so all users will be paying the same rate going forward and creating an efficient and easily accessible process for septic haulers in our community.
Q – When will these rates come into effect?
A – The Public Utilities Board (PUB) is currently accepting feedback from residents in all the member municipalities. The deadline for the feedback is Friday, April 10, 2026. Once the period closes, the PUB will review all communication received and render its decision. If approval is granted, each municipality will be responsible for collecting the surcharges from its residents.
Q – Where can I obtain further information on the project?
A – You can contact your local municipal office for further information regarding the project or the anticipated impact on your property.
Q – How do I provide comments, questions, or objections to these proposed rates?
A – Any comments, questions or objections will be administered by the Public Utilities Board of Manitoba at www.pubmanitoba.ca, with information available on their website. However, each municipality would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.