Costs for transit, garbage collection, and more could be on the rise.

Wood Buffalo council met on Tuesday for the first time since their summer recess where they passed the first reading of the fees, rates and charges bylaw.

Administration is recommending a 17 per cent average increase for municipal services.

Mayor Don Scott tells Mix News the high increase will account for many years where prices didn’t budge.

“It’s been a long time since the rates have been adjusted in this region and there’s a lot of information that will be put forward.”

Some of the possible changes include a 20 per cent increase for transit and an eight per cent rise for garbage collection.

“We also did some work comparing ourselves to other municipalities, so there’s work to be done but nothing is set in stone until we have a public debate,” added Scott.

Meanwhile, the cost to run a work camp in the region could also be rising.

An 800 per cent increase for a permit is being recommended – moving up from $250 to $2,000. They would also look to raise the price for each bed from $1.25 to $1.50.

None of these changes have been approved.

A public hearing is scheduled for October 22 where residents can share their thoughts and concerns.