Utilities & Public Services

At the Regular Council meeting on the 27^th of March, 2023, Council approved an increase to the water, sewer and garbage rates for a three year period. The rate changes will be effective on your July 2023 utility bill. Additional changes will occur on the 1^st of January in the years 2024, 2025 and 2026.
 
The Town endeavours to ensure that water, sewer and garbage rates cover the expenses of our operations and also sets aside money for future capital replacements or upgrades. A major capital upgrade that the Town is facing is a legislated requirement to upgrade our lagoon system. This project alone is estimated at $10,000,000. If the Town is successful in acquiring grants we will still have to come up with around $4,000,000. Sewer rates will therefore be raised by $5 per month in the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 to help pay for these required upgrades.
 
Council is committed to keeping the cost of living as low as possible for our residents. Below is a summary of what the new utility rates will look like and how they compare to some neighbouring municipalities. 
 
Single Detached Residential Utility Rates for Picture Butte:
 

Utility rates for all rate classifications for Water, Sewer and Garbage services are included in Bylaw No. 939-23 - Service Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw

The Town of Picture Butte provides water, sewer and garbage services. Utility accounts must be in the name of the registered property owner. To avoid any service disruptions or unnecessary fees, be sure to download and complete the Application for Utility Services and submit it to the Town Office prior to your possession date.

Selling your home? Complete the Utility Disconnect Form to administratively disconnect services.

Now you can have your utility bill emailed directly to your inbox and have your bill paid automatically! No more checking for bills at the post office or worrying about due dates and late penalties. All you need to do is is fill out and sign the form and bring it to the Town Office. or email to admin@picturebutte.ca
 

Do you have a pool or hot tub?

Take a look at this informational poster regarding safely draining the water and keeping the chemicals out of the storm water drains.  Anything that enters storm drains can contribute to water pollution. Your pool or spa water must be drained onto your own property. Use the water to irrigate your lawn, garden or mulched area after minimizing the chemicals. If choosing to water your yard, be sure to regulate the flow so the water remains on your property to not cause problems such as erosion or flooding. Another option is to use a sink, toilet or floor drain in your house. Water discharged into the wastewater collection system is treated at the Wastewater Treatment Centre. 

DO NOT drain your pool or hot tub into the alley. This will cause issues to the roadway and puts the water into the storm water system. Storm drains are meant to remove rain and snow from streets. The runoff is not treated and flows directly into the river.
 

Garbage Collection - Garbage must be out by 8:00 a.m. 
North Side of Town - Wednesday's 
South Side of Town - Thursday's 

Grass and leaf pickup occurs every Tuesday from May through October. See handout for details. 

Check out our 2024 Garbage Schedule.

The Town Utility Bylaw defines garbage as: refuse of animal material, vegetable matter or any other matter which has been used or intended for use as food.

More information about the Town of Picture Butte garbage pick-up and all the requirements can be found on our Information Sheet. 

The Town of Picture Butte also has a Regional Waste Management Transfer Station. The Transfer Site Brochure has all the information that would be needed. Should you require more information or have any questions please phone 403-732-4250.  The Picture Butte Transfer Station is open Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in Winter) and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 

Water Rationing Plan
 
The Town of Picture Butte Council has passed Bylaw No. 950-24 that will amend our current Utility Bylaw on May 27, 2024. The amendments include:

1. A Water Rationing Action plan - HERE
2. Adding penalties to non compliance of the Water Rationing Action Plan 

 
The Town receives treated water from the City of Lethbridge. As part of the agreement that manages that understanding, the Town agrees that it will implement the same kind of policies related to water use as the City does.
 
The Town of Picture Butte Water Rationing Action Plan and the proposed penalties to non-compliance of those restrictions are consistent with the City of Lethbridge Water Rationing Action Plan and penalties. The major difference is if water restrictions are implemented the Town of Picture Butte will only be allowed to use irrigation for our gardens on MONDAYS. The City of Lethbridge residents will also only be allowed to use irrigation for their gardens one day a week but their day is decided upon according to what day they have their garbage picked up.
 
The City of Lethbridge will notify all users that receive treated water from the City when they are implementing a certain stage of water restrictions according to their Water Rationing Action Plan. The Town of Picture Butte will then notify our residents of that decision and implement the Town’s Water Rationing Action Plan. 
 
For more information on the City of Lethbridge response to the Provincial water shortages please see:
www.lethbridge.ca/waterconservation
 

Check out energyrates.ca to compare electricity and gas rates.