Minor increases to district fees in Taylor have been approved for next year, affecting residents including pet owners, those misusing emergency services and local golfers.
“We had no significant increases,” said Mayor Brent Taillefer, of the District of Taylor, as the recommendations from staff to pass amended fees for various district services passed.
In a report prepared for the council, staff said the changes are being made “to ensure that user fees are competitive and contribute adequate resources to the operation of the district.”
“Rising costs and provision of service have created an environment where the district is reliant on grants from other (governments) for 25 per cent of the cost of operations,” they continued. “Prudent financial strategy is that the operation of the community is secure in its reliance on its own resources.”
Pet owners in Taylor may notice increased licensing fees registering their four-legged companions next year – if they miss the $5 renewal period in January.
Fees vary depending on if the pet is fixed. Spayed or neutered dogs or cats will cost $30 to register, and intact animals will cost $45. These are increases from $27 and $40, respectively.
Charges for wasting fire protection resources twice within 12 months increased by $50. Previously, anyone with two false alarms was charged $200 due to the inconvenience. The amount remained the same for any false alarms after the second incident at $500.
Council also approved increased remuneration for Taillefer and councillors, which district staff said aligns with wage adjustments across the organization.
“(The new rates) reflects (a) 3.5 per cent HR budget increase for 2026,” district employees wrote in their initial report last month.
The increase will see the mayor making under $1,000 more, and his standard payment will remain under $30,000. Councillors will make around $13,390 next year – roughly $450 more than they did in 2025. Fees for extra hours at council meeting were unchanged.
Pool fees were adjusted, and swimming lesson packs are being discontinued. Parents can register “per lesson.”
Rental rates at the Taylor District Ice Centre also increased by ten per cent, as did the price to golf at the Lone Wolf Golf Club.
