2026 General User Fees, Rates and Charges

2026 USER FEES, RATES AND CHARGES

On January 1, 2026, rates and fees for District services and programs will increase. The changes are part of the Council-adopted 2026 Budget. Residents and businesses are encouraged to review all user rates and effective dates, and to take note some key changes related to:

Port Carling Locks
Various lock user fees will increase on January 1, 2026.  These increases are needed to support increased operating costs along with capital upgrades at the locks and associated facilities. Residents or visiting boaters are advised to review the updated fees on the District's website in advance of the boating season.

Hauled Sewage
Hauled sewage rates have increased by just over $3.50 per cubic meter discharged.  These increases are necessary to account for operational and capital improvements required to maintain regulatory compliance and assist with the fiscal sustainability of the facilities and their operation.  

Of note, these rates are no longer based on 1000 imperial gallons and have shifted to a fee per cubic meter.  This change will simplify record-keeping, billings and environmental reporting. New rates apply on January 1, 2026.

Waste Transfer Stations
Various solid waste fees at District Waste Transfer Stations are increasing in January 2026.  Users are encouraged to review fees before visiting transfer stations.

To reduce the impact of fee increases, users are encouraged to properly sort their waste.  Users benefit financially by using the District's community-paid diversion services (e.g. organics, scrap metal, household hazardous waste) while reducing their environmental impact.  Using these programs will help to mitigate their costs when visiting the District's waste facilities.

In addition, the minimum load fee at transfer stations has not increased for several years. Residents who drop off chargeable loads, including mixed waste (unsorted garbage) or yard waste at District transfer stations or the Rosewarne landfill in Bracebridge, will be required to pay a minimum load fee of $15/trip.