Portage will better handle the costs associated with nutrient removal. 

The Public Utilities Board has approved the city's application to increase water and sewer rates, as well as service charges to create reserve levels for the impending provincial requirement. 

 

City manager Dale Lyle says the agreement was the second submitted by Portage -- the first only partially approved by the PUB.  During that refiling, the board asked the city to consider increases that'll help build reserves for future capital projects. 

 

Portage is also being given the authority to issue further increases within the three year plan if deemed necessary. 

 

Lyle admits the city was acting on a tip during last year's submission to the PUB, as the nutrient removal requirements were only confirmed during the recent provincial Speech from the Throne.