A new fee structure hasn't been decided yet. But council is considering a system where the more you use, the more you'll pay, said Greg Kehoe, director of public works said.

Currently, ratepayers are charged about $10 a month for garbage, and you can put out as many bags as you want.

Water bills are split into five rates with residents charged $11.92 per thousand gallons they use, plus a charge based on how many toilets are in the house.

"The service line is the key," explained Robert Charpentier, director of finance speaking about water use.

"To access our system, you'll be charged a fee-based on amount," Charpentier said of plans in the works to change water rates. "We're not looking at raising rates per se. There will be a shift."

The city is moving towards a system where conservation and recycling is necessary to keep your bills down.

When it comes to garbage, "In theory," Kehoe explained, "you could have two to three bags at a flat rate, and tag for more," he said.

"This is all tied in with recycling."

By introducing a tagging system where people have to pay for extra bags they put to the curb, perhaps more people will use recycling facilities, like the one at the Co-op store and Ruth Inch pool, Kehoe said.

Modina Spears, a condo owner and a mom in Yellowknife, isn't thrilled with the city's plans.

"I'm a condo owner," she said. "How are they going to charge condo people? Recycling should be encouraged," she added. "But people should have real recycling facilities."

"Our garbage rate is based on a formula," Charpentier said.

"It's more complicated than water," he added. "With garbage, we hire a contractor. So we've got to deal with him. And once you get into a true user-pay system for garbage, we might not have adequate recycling programs."

"What we're looking at is a sense of control," Charpentier added.

"It hasn't been confirmed yet. It takes more administration, too. It can be a bit confusing when it first comes into effect."