Suzanne Oel – Division 4
Greetings! Sharing my News Update…
Priddis Transfer Station Fee Change: Within my previous February High Country News article, I wrote about various waste management options, which were current at the time. Following that, an increased Transfer Station garbage fee came into effect on April 11, 2026, raising the fee from $2 to $5 per bag. In response to communications with Division 4 residents, I immediately began an effort to reduce the increased rate. I am sharing with you the process that recently took place to reduce the Transfer Station garbage fee from $5 to $3 per bag, with the results of the fee change to $3 occurring on May 9, 2026.
Foothills County Council Agenda Item: At the April 22, 2026, Council Meeting, I requested that an emergent item be brought forward for consideration: “Formal Request to restore previous Transfer Station garbage fee of $2 per bag and discuss a path forward.” I explained that there was an overwhelming response of residents, since the fee change, expressing their passionate concerns and reiterating their thankfulness for the affordable garbage disposal option which was previously available to them. Council agreed to accept this item on the agenda.
Fee Discussion: When Council discussed this agenda item, I shared that, as the local Councillor, I had received communications from residents who were upset about the increase to the Priddis Transfer Station garbage fee from $2 to $5 per bag. The previous cost to purchase a 10‑pack of bags was $20. It was raised to $50 due to the fee increase. Further, I noted that this garbage disposal service is viewed as a special benefit for NW Foothills County residents that is much appreciated by residents. This service is a visible example which shows taxpayers that they receive something for their ongoing increasing taxes. Residents identified that through their significantly increasing taxes, they believe they are contributing to this service and would be grateful to the County for absorbing some costs in recognition of this. They stated that the percentage of increase was excessive, that they received no notice or explanation, and do not support this sudden increase. I asked Council to consider the perspectives of NW Foothills residents who live a great distance away from centralized landfill services and who sincerely appreciate the long‑standing benefit of affordable garbage disposal at the Priddis Transfer Station and the Diamond Valley Transfer Station.
Motion to Amend the Fee Bylaw: Following discussion, I made a motion to request 1st reading of the Bylaw to amend the fee to $3 per bag, because a zero‑increase was not acceptable to Council. The motion was approved.
$3 Fee now in place: On April 29, 2026, the matter returned to the Foothills County Agenda for consideration of granting 2nd & 3rd reading to Bylaw 21/2026 which would amend the Fee Bylaw. Both motions were approved, and therefore the amendment came into effect the following week on May 6, 2026, when the Minutes of the 29th meeting were adopted. Foothills County Staff then changed the fee and provided communications to advise residents of the change to $3, including signage at the Transfer Stations, starting May 9, 2026. Thank you to Council for hearing our concerns and approving our request to lower the rate. Thank you to all the staff who facilitated and made changes to all our records.
Operation Costs Explained: Costs to operate the two Transfer Stations include trucking, landfill tipping fees, staff salaries, admin time, equipment rental, gas increases, phone, insurance, bag production, maintenance, utilities, repairs and more. The $2 fee per bag had not been changed for over 20 years. The rationale for previously raising the rate to $5 per bag was the goal to cover operational costs, not capital cost recovery. The estimate for operational expenses for 2026 is $126,745. The total 2025 revenue at $2 per bag came in at $50,100, which showed a loss of $76,645. The projected revenue at $5 per bag was $125,000. Incorporating the revised fee of $3 per bag, the projected revenue for 2026 is $75,000 per year.
For Other News & Updates:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncillorSuzanneOel/
Email: Suzanne.Oel@FoothillsCountyAB.ca
Please visit High Country News online for my previous articles.
With Best Regards,
Suzanne
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