Budget
The 2025 Operating Budget and 2025-2026 Capital Budget prioritizes responsible financial management while continuing to deliver the services residents rely on. The budget reflects a balanced approach to meeting community needs and managing expenses, emphasizing sustainability for the future.
Savings were achieved by reducing spending on materials and supplies (down 4% from 2024), and training and development (down 3% from 2024). These efforts helped offset increased costs, supporting the City’s commitment to service excellence.
The budget forecasts a 3.5% tax increase over 2024. Of that, 1.4% can be attributed to general economic inflationary pressures, 2% to the decrease in provincial funding for infrastructure related expenditures, and 0.1% to a transit-related service enhancement. The final average tax increase will not be known until the spring after property assessments are complete.
- Operating Budget: The 2025 operating budget requires a projected revenue of $130.6 million which is raised through property taxes (49%), utility services (27%), government transfers (9%), sale of services (8%), other income (3%), rent revenue (2%), and interest and penalties (2%).
- Capital Budget: Capital expenses in 2025 are estimated to be $33.9 million and will include work on projects like Fire Hall 3, expanding the 47 Street multiway, building new amenities (e.g., a new community garden in Deer Valley) and improving roads in Willow Park. This will be paid for through City reserves (54%), grants (24%) and off-site supported debenture borrowing (21%).
Utility Fees
Utility fees collected by the City provide water, sewer, garbage collection and stormwater infrastructure. Some costs are outside the City’s control and are determined by the service provider. For example, Arrow Utilities manages wastewater treatment for the City and charges a cost for that service.
The 2025 Budget estimates a modest increase in overall utility costs to the following:
| Utility | 2025 Fees and Charges | Increase from 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Water |
$10.99 per month plus $2.90 per cubic meter |
22 cents per month; 15 cents per cubic meter |
| Wastewater |
$10.20 per month plus $2.85 per cubic meter |
20 cents per month; 26 cents per cubic meter |
| Stormwater | $6.50 per month | $1 per month |
| Solid waste | $25.83 per month | 50 cents per month |
Budget Planning Process and Timeline
Each budget year spans three years.
Previous Budgets
- 2025 Approved Budget (will be available in January 2025) and Survey Results
- 2024 Approved Budget and Survey Results
- 2023 Approved Budget and Survey Results