2024-008 Rural Water Rates — full text

This is an automated transcription (OCR) of the captured official document — minor recognition errors are possible; the source document governs. Snapshot bd4857cef88b · verified 2026-06-09 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

## GILBERT PLAINS MUNICIPALITY BY - LAW NO. 2024-008  BEING a By-law of Gilbert Plains Municipality to establish water rates for the Gilbert Plains Rural Water Utility and provide for the collection thereof. WHEREAS the Gilbert Plains Municipality owns and operates the Gilbert Plains Rural Water Utility within the limits of the Municipality; AND WHEREAS The Municipal Act, S.M. 1996, C58, states in part: 232(1) A Council may pass by-laws for municipal purposes respecting the following matters: public utilities: (1) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), a council may in a by- 232(2) provided or done by the municipality or for the use of property (d) establish fees or other charges for services, activities or things law passed under this Division under the ownership, direction, management or control of the ## municipality; Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), a municipality may for municipal purposes do the following: (c) acquire, establish, maintain and operate services, facilities and 250(2) (a) setting the rates or amounts of deposits, fees and other charges, and charging and collecting them; (b) providing for a right of entry onto private property to determine compliance with other terms and conditions, to determine the amount of deposits, fees or other charges, or to disconnect a service; 252(1) A municipality exercising powers in the nature of those referred to in clauses 250(2)(b),(c) and (e) may set terms and conditions in respect of users, including (c) discontinuing or disconnecting a service and refusing to provide the service to users who fail to comply with the terms and conditions. A charge referred to in clause (1)(a) may be collected by the municipality in the same manner as a tax may be collected or enforced under this Act." ## 252(2) AND WHEREAS the Public Utilities Board (PUB) granted Gilbert Plains Municipality authority to Order No. 184/19, subject to a 90-day notice period for rate payers; pass through Manitoba Water Services Board (MWSB) wholesale water rate revisions in Board AND WHEREAS the wholesale water rate charged by MWSB to the Gilbert Plains Rural Utility increases from $7.72 to $7.93 per thousand gallons on April 1, 2026; AND WHEREAS the Gilbert Plains Rural Utility had unaccounted water in 2025 of 66%; AND WHEREAS the water rate increase calculated in accordance with PUB Order No. 184/19 for the Gilbert Plains Rural Utility is therefore: April 1, 2026 MWSB water purchase rate, per 1,000 gallons April 1, 2025 MWSB water purchase rate, per 1,000 gallons ## GILBERT PLAINS MUNICIPALITY BY - LAW NO. 2024-008  $0.21 $0.14 $0.35 ## Difference Add: 66% for unaccounted water Required increase to water rates AND WHEREAS it is deemed advisable to provide rates for January 1, 2026, July 1, 2026, October 1, 2026, October 1, 2027, October 1, 2028 and thereafter to be paid by persons to whom water services are supplied by the Gilbert Plains Rural Utility and to provide for the collection thereof; NOW THEREFORE the Council of Gilbert Plains Municipality, in session duly assembled ## hereby enacts as follows: 1. THAT consumers shall be charged quarterly for water service supplied to them by the Gilbert Plains Rural Utility within Gilbert Plains Municipality at the rates and terms set out in Schedule "A" attached hereto and forming part of this by-law. 2. THAT Gilbert Plains Municipality reserves the right to discontinue the supply of water for fountains, jets, hoses and sprinklers, or to limit the hours for use of the same, whenever, at the discretion of Council, it is in the best interests of the public to do so. 3. THAT the meter shut off valve inside premises serviced with water by the Municipality shall be readily accessible and not used by the owner except for the protection of the premises. No person shall tamper with the meter or cause the water supply to bypass the meter. All pipes and valves inside the premises shall be kept in good repair by the owner or occupant. Any damage through neglect or otherwise, by a contractor for the owner or occupant, to the water service pipes from the street to the premises including the meter shall be the responsibility of the owner or occupant. 4. THAT no person shall wilfully or maliciously hinder or cause to hinder the Municipality or its representatives in the exercise of their duties in relation to the operation and maintenance of the water system. 5. THAT any person violating any provision of this by-law shall: thousand dollars ($1,000) and costs for each violation; a. be guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, liable to a fine not exceeding one by the Municipality as a result of the violation; b. be liable to Gilbert Plains Municipality for any expense, loss or damage suffered effect the repairs and charge the cost thereof to that persons, or add the cost to violation. If that person is in default of effecting the repairs, the Municipality may c. be liable for the repairs and costs of the repairs to the system as a result of the property taxes and collect those property taxes in the same manner as other ## property taxes. 6. THAT this by-law and rates for January 1, 2026, July 1, 2026, October 1, 2026, October 1, 2027, October 1, 2028 and thereafter, shall come into force and be effective on, from and after both approval of the Public Utilities Board of Manitoba and receipt of third and final reading thereof. 7. THAT By-law No. 2019-04 and its amendments are hereby repealed as of January 1, 2026 and upon final approval of this By-law by the Public Utilities Board of Manitoba. ## GILBERT PLAINS MUNICIPALITY BY - LAW NO. 2024-008  PASSED AND ENACTED by the Gilbert Plains Municipality in Council duly assembled, this ## day of 10th day of March, 2026.  Chief Administrative Officer Reeve READ a First time this 12th day of September, 2024.  READ a Second time this 10th day of March, 2026. READ a Third time and PASSED this 10th day of March, 2026. ## GILBERT PLAINS MUNICIPALITY BY - LAW NO. 2024-008  SCHEDULE "A" ## SCHEDULE OF QUARTERLY RATES ## January 1, 2026 ## 1. Quarterly Service Charge & Commodity Rates $25.80 Quarterly Service Charge: $17.76 Water Rates Per 1,000 Gallons 2. Minimum Charges per Quarter Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the volume allowance as For all metered accounts, volumes in excess of the minimum quarterly allowance will be charged at the applicable commodity rate. a. Metered Water Customers | Total Quarterly Minimum | | 79.08 | 132.36 238.92 | 558.60 1,357.80 | |---------------------------|-----------------|---------|-----------------|-------------------| | Water Commodity | | | | | | Charge | 53.28 $ | 106.56 | 213.12 $ | 532.80 1,332.00 | | Service Charge | 25.80 | 25.80 | | | | Customer | | | 25.80 | 25.80 25.80 $ | | Volume Included | (Gallons) 3,000 | 6,000 | 12,000 | 30,000 75,000 | | Group Capacity Ratio | | | | 10 25 | | Meter Size (Inches) | 5/8 | 314 | | 1 1/2 | ## July 1, 2026 1. Quarterly Service Charge & Commodity Rates $25.80 $18.11 Quarterly Service Charge: Water Rates Per 1,000 Gallons 2. Minimum Charges per Quarter Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the volume allowance as For all metered accounts, volumes in excess of the minimum quarterly allowance will be listed. charged at the applicable commodity rate. a. Metered Water Customers | Total Quarterly Minimum | 80.13 134.46 | 243.12 569.10 | 1,384.05 | |----------------------------------------------|----------------|-----------------|------------| | | 217.32 | | | | Water Commodity Charge | 5433$ 108.66 $ | 543.30 $ | 1,358.25 $ | | 25.80 $ | | | | | Customer Service Charge | 25.80 25.80 | 25.80 | 25.80 $ | | Volume Included (Gallons) | 6,000 | 12,000 30,000 | 75,000 | | 3,000 | | 10 | 25 | | Meter Size (Inches) 5/8 Group Capacity Ratio | 3/4 | 1 1/2 | | ## October 1, 2026 1. Quarterly Service Charge & Commodity Rates $28.54 $21.00 Quarterly Service Charge: Water Rates Per 1,000 Gallons 2. Minimum Charges per Quarter Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the volume allowance as listed. charged at the applicable commodity rate. - For all metered accounts, volumes in excess of the minimum quarterly allowance will be ## GILBERT PLAINS MUNICIPALITY BY - LAW NO. 2024-008   ## a. Metered Water Customers | Total Quarterly | Minimum | 91.54 | 154.54 280.54 | 658.54 | 1,603.54 | |-------------------|----------------------|----------------|-----------------|----------|------------| | Water Commodity | Charge | 63.00 $ 126.00 | 252.00 | 630.00 | 1,575.00$ | | Customer | Service Charge 28.54 | 28.54 | 28.54 | 28.54 | 28.54 | | Volume Included | (Gallons) 3,000 | 6,000 | 12,000 | 30,000 | 75,000 | | Group | Capacity Ratio | | | 10 | 25 | | Meter Size | 5/8 | | | | N | | (Inches) | | 3/4 | | 1 1/2 | | ## October 1, 2027 1. Quarterly Service Charge & Commodity Rates $23.89 $31.28 Quarterly Service Charge: Water Rates Per 1,000 Gallons 2. Minimum Charges per Quarter Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the volume allowance as For all metered accounts, volumes in excess of the minimum quarterly allowance will be charged at the applicable commodity rate. a. Metered Water Customers | Total Quarterly Minimum | 102.95 174.62 | 317.96 747.98 | 1,823.03 | |---------------------------|-----------------|-----------------|------------| | Water Charge | 71.67 | | | | Commodity | 143.34 286.68 | 716.70 | 1,791.75$ | | Customer Service Charge | 31.28 31.28 | 31.28 31.28 | 31.28 | | Volume Included (Gallons) | 3,000 6,000 | 12,000 30,000 | 75,000 | | Group Capacity Ratio | N | 10 | 25 | | Meter Size (Inches) | 5/8 314 | 1 1/2 | | ## October 1, 2028 1. Quarterly Service Charge & Commodity Rates $34.03 $26.77 Quarterly Service Charge: Water Rates Per 1,000 Gallons 2. Minimum Charges per Quarter Notwithstanding the rates set forth in paragraph 1, all customers will pay the applicable minimum charges per quarter set out below, which includes the volume allowance as For all metered accounts, volumes in excess of the minimum quarterly allowance will be listed. charged at the applicable commodity rate. a. Metered Water Customers | Total Quarterly | Minimum | 114.34 194.65 | 355.27 | 837.13 2,041.78 | |---------------------------|-----------|-----------------|---------------|-------------------| | Water Commodity Charge | 80.31 | 160.62 | 321.24 803.10 | 2,007.75 | | Customer Service Charge | 34.03 | 34.03 | 34.03 34.03 | 34.03 | | Volume Included (Gallons) | 3,000 | 6,000 | 12,000 30,000 | 75,000 | | Group Capacity Ratio | | | 10 | 25 | | (Inches) | 5/8 | | | | | Meter Size | | 3/4 | 1 1/2 | |  ## The following clauses take effect January 1, 2026: 3. Service To Customers Outside Utility Limits The Council of Gilbert Plains Municipality may sign Agreements with customers for the provision of water services by the Gilbert Plains Rural Utility to properties located outside of the appropriate rates set out in the Schedule, as well as a surcharge set by Resolution the boundaries of Gilbert Plains Rural Utility. Such Agreements shall provide for payment of Council, which shall be equivalent to the frontage levy, general taxes, and special taxes for Utility purposes in effect at the time or may be in effect from time to time, and which would be levied on the property concerned if it were within the boundaries of Gilbert Plains Rural Utility. In addition, all costs of connecting to the Utility's mains, and installing and maintaining service connections, will be paid by the customer. ## 4. Billings And Penalties Accounts shall be billed quarterly and the due date shall be at least fourteen (14) days after the mailing of the bills. A late payment charge of 1.25% per month shall be charged on the dollar amount owing after the billing due date. 5. Disconnection And Reconnection The Public Utilities Board has approved the Conditions Precedent to be followed by the Municipality with respect to disconnection of service for non-payment, including such matters as notice and the right to appeal such action to The Public Utilities Board. A copy of the Conditions Precedent is available for inspection at the Municipality's office. Any service disconnected, whether due to non-payment of account or for any other reason(s) mutually agreed to by the customer and the Municipality (i.e. repairs necessitated by negligence of the customer, changes in tenant, vacancy for an extended period of time, etc.) shall not be reconnected until a reconnection fee of $35.00 and all arrears and penalties, if any, have been paid. Any customer wishing to have billing disconnected due to vacancy of premises shall be required to have service disconnected and to pay $35.00 reconnection fee when service resumes. ## 6. Outstanding Bills Pursuant to Section 252(2) of the Municipal Act, the amount of all outstanding charges for water and wastewater services, including fines and penalties, are a lien and charge upon the land serviced, and shall be collected in the same manner in which ordinary taxes upon the land are collectible, and with like remedies. Heart of the Parkland fiber paine, ## 7. Water Allowance Due To Line Freezing In any case where, at the request of Council, a customer allows water to run continuously for any period of time to prevent the water lines in the water system from freezing, the charge to the customer for the current quarter shall be the average of the billings for the last two previous quarters to the same customer, or to the same premises if the occupant has changed. ## 8. Water Meters Water meters are owned by the Municipality but are the responsibility of the utility customer to maintain. If the water meter is broken, frozen, etc., the Utility customer will be billed for a new meter at the current cost of replacement. ## 9. Meter Testing That in any case where a utility customer requests that a meter be tested for accuracy, the customer will provide the Municipality with a deposit of $100.00. The Municipality will then remove the subject meter and send it to an independent lab for testing. If the meter is found to be faulty, all costs associated with the testing process will be borne by the Municipality, the deposit will be refunded to the customer, and the customer's account will be adjusted for the preceding four (4) months. If the meter is found to be in proper working order, all costs associated with the testing process will be borne by the customer and the customer will be billed or refunded any balance owing. ## 10. Cross Connections No customer or person shall connect, cause to be connected or allow to remain connected any piping, fixture, fitting, container or appliance in a manner which under any circumstances may allow water, wastewater or any harmful liquid or substance to enter the Municipality's water system. If a condition is found to exist which, in the opinion of the Municipality, is contrary to the aforesaid, the Municipality may either: Shut off the service or services; or Give notice to the customer to correct the fault at his or her own expense within a specified time period. ## 11. Conditions of Disrepair In the event that there are conditions of disrepair in the wastewater and water works on a property that detrimentally affects the system as a whole and, upon the failure of the owner of the property to correct the condition within a reasonable time, the Municipality, or its agents, may enter the property, effect repairs and charge the cost thereof against the subject property as ordinary taxes. ## GILBERT PLAINS MUNICIPALITY ## BY - LAW NO. 2024-008  ## 12. Authorization for Officer to Enter Upon Premises The Public Works Foreman, or other employee authorized by the Municipality in the absence of the Public Works Foreman, shall be authorized to enter upon any premise for the purpose of: - affixing to any pipe, wire or apparatus connected with any such utility, a meter or any other measuring or testing device; or any meter or apparatus - taking readings from, repairing, inspecting or removing belonging to the Municipality.