Province offsets higher waste management fees for customers

CANADA, March 27 - The Province of Prince Edward Island is providing Island Waste Management Corporation (IWMC) a grant of $2.95 million to avoid passing on increased costs of waste management operations to Island residents.

Customers will see the grant on a separate line item on their property tax bills this spring.

“Our government recognizes that Islanders are facing financial stress due to the increased cost of living. This grant ensures that the effective and efficient waste management services will continue without placing additional financial burdens on Islanders.”

- Minister of Transportation, and Infrastructure, Ernie Hudson

The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) regulates IWMC fees. On January 6, 2024, IWMC applied to IRAC for an increase in both residential and commercial user fees to cover the costs of operating. On February 24, 2024, IRAC approved the proposed rate increases.

“Waste management services are critical to public health and environmental protection.  IWMC, like many businesses in PEI, is facing increasing costs of doing business,” said IWMC chief executive officer, Karen MacDonald. “This funding from the government will allow IWMC to serve Islanders at no additional cost this year.”

The provincial government provided grants to IWMC in March 2022 for $1.4 million, and in March 2023 for $1.2 million, rather than pass the cost of rate increases to customers. The grant this year will keep fees at the 2021 rate.

                 

Media contacts:
Vicki Tse
Transportation and Infrastructure
902 213-2321
vickitse@gov.bc.ca

Jenny Richard
Island Waste Management Corporation
902 368-5619
jrichard@iwmc.pe.ca