JPCC's Advocacy Work
The JPCC’s core mandate is advocacy. On an ongoing basis, we connect with government and non-governmental organizations to advance the interests of our members. As part of our work, we solicit input from members as issues in our community arise. Please read on for details concerning active issues. We invite you to share your views with us to help the JPCC frame advocacy positions and effectively represent our membership.
Municipal Utilities Advocacy
At the January 21 Municipal Council meeting, JPCC requested that Council review the utility fees model for equity and conservation considerations. The Municipality states that the model is equity-based. However the current billing structure, which has been in place since 2022 with annual fee increases since then, is heavily weighted toward larger users through consumption, connection and capital fees.
In addition to passing the annual utility fees collection bylaw at that meeting, Council passed a motion directing Administration to host a workshop to review the utility rate model with interested stakeholders. Rather than utilizing a workshop format with stakeholder participation, Administration held an information session on June 26 featuring signboards explaining the model.
The information signboards from that session can be viewed HERE.
The 2025 Utility Fees Levy and Collection Bylaw, which includes a detailed breakdown of the billing structure, can be viewed HERE. Jasper has also conducted a number of Utility Studies which, for those interested in a deeper dive 😏 into the world of water and wastewater, can be viewed HERE.
JPCC has received multiple communications expressing concerns about the impact of the current billing structure on businesses and large residential users. We are gathering input on the utilities billing model and will conduct a workshop to review the model and develop recommendations for Municipal Council this fall.
We invite businesses to review your utility invoices, as well as the information provided in the above links, and to contact the Chamber to share your thoughts and ideas on the model. We will use this input to develop an agenda for the upcoming workshop.
Pop-Up Business Village
In a related but separate discussion, Council will consider a request to allow the Rockaboo climbing wall to remain in place for three years, allowing it to be used year-round.
Log into your member profile to access our Advocacy Efforts and have your say!
When e-mail feedback please use these questions as guidelines for what we are hoping to learn.
1. Do you favour the Connaught location or the Patricia location for the pop-up village?
2. Where your business is located?
3. Are you in favour of retaining Rockaboo’s climbing wall at the current site on Patricia Street for 3 years?
4. Please share any further thoughts or concerns on these issues.
Not a member? We’d still like to hear from you! Please use the link below to send us an email.
