Utilities

The City of Cold Lake's Utilities department manages connections and billing for water and wastewater services, as well as Waste and Recycling collection. To register for a new utilities account or for questions about your current account or billing, email utilities@coldlake.com or call 780-594-4494. For maintenance of utility infrastructure, including water meters, email infrastructure@coldlake.com or call 780-594-4496.

Register for e-mail billing

Are you a new property owner in the City of Cold Lake? We would like to update property information for your recent purchase to make sure that the services being provided are properly billed and we can get in contact with you if required. Please fill out our Utilities for New Property Owners form to update the City of Cold Lake on your property ownership. Failure to update the City of Cold Lake on your possession of the property does not exempt you from the obligation to pay utility bills or any late payment penalties that will be applied on account.

Utility Fees

Utility bills include service fees for waste and recycling pickup where applicable. Invoices for properties are sent out on the 15th of each month. The fees as presented here, are subject to change without notice.

If you are renting a new home in Cold Lake and will be responsible for paying city utilities as part of your rental agreement, please complete the Utilities for New Renter Form to ensure that your monthly utility bill is being sent to the correct address

Minimum billing charge* on metered accounts (water and sewer rate for consumption of 0-1,500 gallons)
Utility	Fee/month
Water	$14.80
Sewer	$12.58
Solid waste	$21.00
Recycling	$6.50
Organic waste	$3.00

Water and sewer rate* for consumption over 1,500 gallons
Utility	Fee/1000 gallons
Water	$9.86/1,000 gallons
Sewer	$8.39/1,000 gallons

Flat rate*
Utility	Fee/month
Water	$73.04
Sewer	$62.10

*In effect as of February 1, 2024

**Effective February 1, 2024, the City of Cold Lake will be adding a new $2.50 administrative fee to utility bills for anyone still getting paper bills. For those who do not have access to the Internet or a computer can apply for a waiver. Waivers will be available for pickup at City Hall or applicants can call 780-594-4494 and ask to have one mailed to them.

Stormwater Monthly Fee

As of Aug. 1, 2023, the City of Cold Lake has implemented a stormwater fee to residents. The fee is based on the base rate, as determined by the Drainage Bylaw, area of the property, lot coverage factor, and the intensity factor. The area will vary from property to property as it is based on the lot size. The lot coverage factor is based on the type of property owned.
The current base rate is $0.014/m²

Stormwater FAQ

Where can I get more information about the Drainage Bylaw?

You can obtain further details about the Drainage Bylaw through the City of Cold Lake Bylaws and Policies Page at https://coldlake.com/en/city-hall/bylaws-and-policies.aspx, or by reaching out to the City of Cold Lake via the "Contact Us" section under utilities on the City's webpage. Alternatively, you can seek assistance by calling 780-594-4494.

Who do I contact about concerns with my stormwater bill components?

For concerns related to your stormwater bill components, please contact the City of Cold Lake at 780-594-4494.

Why is the new stormwater utility rate needed?

The new stormwater utility rate is essential to support the maintenance of drainage infrastructure responsible for handling rainfall and snowmelt. It serves to offset operational costs associated with sustaining the stormwater infrastructure. Previously covered by general taxes, these fees are now collected through the stormwater drainage fee based on the size and designation of each land parcel.

How is my stormwater utility rate calculated?

The rate considers property area, developed lot percentage, and land use designation (residential or commercial). Refer to Schedule B of the Drainage Bylaw for more details. The formula for the Stormwater Monthly Rate as of August 1, 2023 is:

Rate= Base Rate x A x C x I, where:
- Base Rate is $0.014/month/m2 for 2024
- A = represents the total area of the lot
- C = “Actual Lot Coverage Percentage”, indicating the impervious percentage area of the lot.
- I = Development Intensity Factor. With a constant value of 1 for every lot.

How is the actual lot coverage percentage calculated?

The Actual Lot Coverage Percentage is determined by the maximum allowable coverage in accordance with its land use designation, except for Residential Estate Lots. The calculation for Residential Estate Lots involves the use of aerial images and GIS tools. For more detailed information, please refer to Schedule C of the Drainage Bylaw.

Is my property residential or non-residential?

To determine the residential or non-residential status of your property, you can check the Citizen Self-Service Portal on the City of Cold Lake webpage or contact the City of Cold Lake at 780-594-4494 for property information.

Can homeowners reduce the stormwater utility rate?

No, a residential credit program is not feasible without incurring increased costs associated with monitoring each property individually.

Who can apply for a credit and how?

Non-residential property owners, able to demonstrate a substantial reduction in stormwater discharge, may be eligible for a credit. An independent Professional Engineer registered in Alberta must complete a report identifying the requested reduction percentage. For details please refer to Section 15 of the Drainage Bylaw.

Can the City compel me to install stormwater management devices?

Yes, if your property negatively affects the stormwater system, the City may require installation and maintenance to treat, impound, manage, or retain surface drainage on the property.

Can I alter or remove stormwater management facilities on my property?

No, alterations to swales, catch basins, or culverts are not permitted, as they impede the stormwater system.

Can an Officer inspect drainage on my property?

Yes, under Section 542 of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A, Chapter M-26. An Officer with proper identification may inspect, observe, measure, and test water on any parcel for compliance with the Drainage Bylaw. No person shall hinder or interrupt an employee, contractor, or agent of the city exercising their powers of the Drainage Bylaw.

Can an Officer issue an order regarding drainage issues?

Yes, if a violation is found, an Officer may issue a written order to remedy the situation as per Section 545 of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A, Chapter M-26.

Are there penalties for Drainage Bylaw infractions?

Yes, fines range from $75 to $500, depending on the type of infraction. Refer to Schedule "A" in the Drainage Bylaw for detailed information.