A municipality in Southwestern Manitoba wants the Association of Manitoba Municipalities to lobby against Manitoba Hydro’s request for a rate hike of 7.9%.

Archie McPherson is Reeve for the RM of Pipestone and he says that increase would put a real financial strain on local ratepayers. “Like all Manitobans the RM is extremely concerned about the Hydro rate increases they are proposing over the next period of time.”

McPherson adds a big increase will have a huge impact on rm’s with rinks and other various buildings they own and operate. “Any increase if a concern never mind the proposed increase of 7.9% for 2017-18” said McPherson.

He adds they wont likely freeze the rates but he hopes they approve a rate hike that is a lot lower than what Manitoba Hydro is proposing.

“I don’t know exactly how much more it will cost a municipality but the added expense will run into the thousands of dollars.”

The RM of Pipestone’s Manitoba Hydro rate increase resolution is the first one on the books at the AMM convention set to take place November 27-29 ion Brandon. Delegates will have a total of 49 resolutions to vote on at the convention.