WESTLOCK— Town council approved the new three-year operating budget and five-year capital budget during their special meeting of council on Monday, Feb. 3.
The updated budget outlines a projected tax increase of 2.9 per cent in 2025, but will not be solidified until the end of February. The budgets also see a variety of projects and improvements related to local infrastructure, roadways, housing, parks, playgrounds and municipal services, in tune with the town's commitment to sustainable growth.
In municipal governments, a capital budget is used for large, long-term projects, such as building repairs or road construction. An operating budget covers the day-to-day costs of running the town, like staff salaries, utilities and community services, to name a few.
2025 to 2030 Capital budget focuses on infrastructure renewal
The capital budget highlights key investments in infrastructure and community projects, including:
- Completion of the 107a avenue project, which will improve local roadways, and infrastructure.
- Ongoing road overlays and sanitary sewer relining to extend the life of roads and sewer systems, making them more reliable.
- Repairs to the front entrance of the town's office to improve safety and accessibility.
- A major new project to install an accessible playground in the neighbourhood of East Glen (Water tower park), designed for children of all ages and abilities. The town of Westlock will also seek additional funding to make sure the playground is fun, inclusive, and fully equipped.
2025 to 2028 Operating budget supports municipal and community services
The operating budget covers the costs of running the town, with several key highlights:
- Funding for the 2025 municipal election, ensuring a smooth and fair voting process.
- The town is seeking grant support for regional emergency services training, helping local first responders stay prepared for emergencies.
- The large-item pickup day and community garage sale programs will continue, offering residents a chance to recycle large items and reduce waste.
- Recycling costs are now covered by new provincial laws, removing this expense from the operating budget.
- Revenue from land sales in the Southview subdivision will help fund services and programs, as well allow developers to begin construction.
Tax Increases for 2025 to 2027
The operating budget also includes adjustments to municipal taxes. Due to rising costs and inflation, Westlock is planning a 2.9 per cent tax increase for 2025, with proposed increases of 5.5 per cent in 2026 and 4 per cent in 2027.
These changes are to keep up with the rising costs of maintaining services and infrastructure, and are necessary for a town's municipality to operate on a day-to-day basis said Simone Wiley, chief administrative officer (CAO).
These percentages are only projections, and will not be confirmed until the end of February when final assessments come in.
Comparatively, these tax increases are quite low when compared to other Alberta regions.
The City of Edmonton approved an operating budget tax increase of 8.1 per cent in 2025 and 7.3 per cent in 2026. These increases were approved in a supplemental operating budget report on Dec. 2, 2024, earlier than expected according to the original report released in December 2022.
The town of Olds, which has a population of 9,857 according to the Alberta regional dashboard (compared to Westlock, which has a population of 5,172) is looking at a projected operating tax hike of 6.6 per cent.
“We’re always looking for grant opportunities to try and lower that cost for the taxpayer,” adds Wiley. “Sometimes projects have to wait for a grant approval. Some of them you can't start beforehand, so that also affects the timeline. We've identified the projects but as we look for funding partners and opportunities, those timelines could shift as well.
Council invites residents to budget information session
To help residents better understand the budget and how it is created— an information session will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19 in the Pembina Room at the Westlock Inn. Mayor Jon Kramer will give a short presentation on the budget and current projects. Following which, town officials will answer the community's questions, provide more details about the proposed plans, and explain the decision processes behind current priorities.
“It's really important to open this conversation and let people know what the municipality is doing and what they are planning for the future” said Wiley, adding the town wants to ensure residents, “have the opportunity to have their say and put input in."
After approving the new budget last week, council members stressed the importance of holding information sessions to encourage engagement with the public and provide information on current projects. “This is an important way to start the process with the community,” said mayor Jon Kramer.
Westlock has long been transparent with their budget, due to both provincial guidelines and council member’s personal values and commitment to the community. Though some projects and costs are absolutely necessary for the town to continue to operate properly, some projects may be subject for further review.
Kramer said, “That’s what this event is about. To give a little more insight, to get a little more feedback, and just continue building this whole community. It's about shaping our shared, common life.”
This type of information session has been held in the past, most recently in 2016. However, that event saw limited public interest in municipal matters based on low turnout from residents. Regardless, council members believe it is important to continue to offer the opportunity for residents to communicate their concerns or desires, as well as educate the public on the inner workings of a municipality’s budget.
“It’s important to keep trying to engage our community. We talk about being the level of government that's closest to the people and what the municipality does affects our residents on a day-to-day basis,” said Wiley.
Kramer has always believed in the power of community— it is what drew him to municipal politics in the first place. “Being an elected official. It's not just working for your community; it's working with them. It's finding that balance of how much time and attention are we asking of our people to give to the work, and how much do we do on their behalf,” said Kramer.
“Part of it is being empowered for a four-year term to do the work for your community. But there's also something about encouraging your residents to be citizens. Not just a resident, but a citizen, somebody who is engaged in the process,” he said. “We are trying to find the sweet spot of how much we keep working to put things in front of our community, to help educate, to help involve and how much we take care of the work for them.”
Wiley echoes this, stressing that there is a delicate balance when determining the town’s long-term and short-term priorities. Given that the budget is a guideline that is subject to change and adapt to circumstance, she stresses this event will provide the opportunity for residents to have their say and provide their input.
Those interested in learning more can visit www.westlock.ca/p/local-notices or attend the information session on Feb. 19.
