January 1st saw sewer and water rates go up in the City of Portage.

Water bills for the last quarter of 2006 have arrived, and contain information about the hikes. It'll mean a three year increase of $99.00, based on using 15,000 gallons per quarter.

Councillor Walter Keryluk points out the City's in line with other centres like Brandon, Winkler, and Winnipeg. He points out the City did comparisons with those places, and found Portage is at par or better.

Keryluk adds the increases are necessary for infrastructure maintenance and repair. He notes the Public Utilities Board deemed the City's utility fund was too small for that purpose.

Keryluk hasn't received any feedback from residents yet, but expects to later.