Although the province anticipates posting a $3.4-billion deficit for 2011, which will be covered by the Sustainability Fund, the province won't be instituting deep service cuts. But there are certain elements that will hit Albertans' pocketbooks.
Starting April 1st of this year, the cost of registering a vehicle will see a jump, going from $61 to $75. Renewing a licence will cost Albertans as much as $20 more, as will obtaining a driver's abstract and ordering new plates.
Dealer plates are also on the rise by $35. And land titles for mortgages will cost $50 instead of the current $15. Registering corporations will rise by $150 to $250.
Finance Minister Lloyd Snegrove explained the province hasn't seen a price adjustment in some services since 2002. He argues the current costs don't reflect the rate of inflation.
"We have an obligation, I think, to be as efficient as we can, but to work on a cost-recovery basis," he said.
Campers will also be hit by the increases. Reserving a campsite will climb $2 to $12 more.
Some Albertans say they have little choice but to shell out the extra dollars.
"Well they got to get it from somewhere -- and what are we gonna do, say no? They kinda got you by the shorts," said Neil Mager.
Fees hikes will bring in an extra $83 million.
With files from Joel Gotlib
