For the first time since 2007, utility rates are going up in New Bothwell. The Public Utilities Board has approved a rate increase. 

According to Administration for the Rural Municipality of Hanover, the last rate review was done in 2016. At that time, the rates were determined to be adequate. 

Hanover Reeve Stan Toews says the municipality does not make money off its utilities.

"We just charge what it costs us to maintain our infrastructure," notes Toews.

New Bothwell's current rate of $148 annually per single family residence has been in effect since January 1st, 2007. 

The rates for a single family residence will increase to $173.10 in 2022, then to $198.20 in 2023, to $223.30 in 2024 and finally to $248.40 in 2025. 

Hanover Administration states that New Bothwell has utility debt which will be expiring in 2026. Residents will notice a drop in their taxes after that as they will no longer be paying for the last expansion.

Toews says Hanover is now attempting to review its rates every three years or so in order to keep the rates up to date.

"If we go back in history, where council didn't do this, then we got huge rate increases," he notes. "So we're trying to keep them smaller and thereby doing our studies more often."