Vauxhall sets franchise fees for 2026

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Vauxhall Advance

By Nikki Jamieson
Vauxhall Advance
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During their regular Sept. 2 meeting, Vauxhall town council reviewed their franchise fee for ATCO gas and Fortis Alberta.

The franchise fee is based on a percentage of the delivery tariff, and can collect revenue from unassessed properties in town, including other government and religious institutions. Based on the current percentage of 12 per cent for ATCO Gas, the delivery tariff revenue would be $43,071 for 2026. In 2025, the town collected $27,298.83 from the fee.

In 2025 and 2024, it was set at 12 per cent. In 2023, it was 10 per cent. 

Mayor Kimberly Cawley noted that historically, revenue from the franchise fees went towards community projects, such as the kitchen upgrade project, as everyone in the community is subject to it.

“It really is a boost, and it’s nice to see it go back to the community that’s used, all community-users can take advantage of it,” said Cawley.

Council passed a motion to keep the ATCO franchise fee at 12 per cent.

The town’s Fortis Alberta franchise fee has been set at eight per cent for the past four years. Cawley noted that Vauxhall’s rate is “pretty low” compared to other municipalities. Fortis Alberta franchise fees range from zero to 20 per cent in municipalities across Alberta. 

Council passed a motion that the local access fee to FortisAlberta for use of municipal lands for its powerlines effective Jan. 1, 2026 be increased to 10 per cent.