The City of Fernie has completed an updated integrated infrastructure capital plan, and significant funding will be needed to address high priority projects.
With current annual water rates of $362 and sewer rates of $488, it would take more than 20 years for all high and very-high priority water projects, and 10 years for all sewer projects
However, the plan suggests that such projects should ideally be completed within five years.
To complete the water utility work in that timeframe, the city would require $12.7 million, resulting in a 148 per cent fee increase — or $899 annually.
Sewer projects would require $7.06 million, which would be a 69.4 per cent increase or an annual fee of $861.
Councillor Ted Shoesmith said a shorter timeframe would cost less in the long run with rising construction costs.
“I think the more we address these issues and the faster the better because we’re risking less tax dollars. When we convert that money that’s ethereal and has fluctuating value into a pipe, that pipe has value to the town for another 150 years,” he said.
“So as far as the water and sewer goes I’m all for ripping off the band-aid and whatever projects need to happen we should streamline them and get them going as quickly as possible.”
There are a couple other ways the city could make up the money other than water and sewer rate increases.
One option is temporarily reduce contributions to the stormwater reserve.
City staff said there are some risks to reducing funding, but the risks are lower than the other high priority utility projects.
Another option would be to divert money used for road rehabilitation.
City staff said roads are less of a risk but are highly visible and a significant topic in terms of citizen satisfaction.
Staff are generating a 20-year capital plan, which will be presented as part of 2026 budget discussions.
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