County Council Adopts 2026 Interim Budget Emphasizing Core Services and Long-Term Asset Management

County of Grande Prairie Council approved the interim 2026 budget, expanding infrastructure to support a growing region and promoting long-term sustainability while investing in policing and recreation to foster safe and thriving communities.

Council proposed a 2.9 per cent municipal tax rate increase for consideration at final budget in April, which, if passed, will translate to approximately $61.12 annually, or $5.09 per month on an average residential property valued at $491,000. The proposed increase does not include requisitions for education to fund schools, which are collected on behalf of the provincial government, and senior’s housing collected by the Grande Spirit Foundation.

“We are currently reviewing long-range plans to address assets requiring renewal and rehabilitation, such as bridges, paved roads, water and sewer systems, and the county vehicle fleet,” says Reeve Amanda McDonald. “Council remains focused on balancing the needs of our residents with responsible financial stewardship. Looking ahead to final budget deliberations in April, sustaining the services and infrastructure residents and businesses rely on will be the priority, before considering future enhancements.”

The $184.3 million budget includes an estimated $146.2 million for general operations and $38.1 million for capital investments.

“Positive trends in the region’s economic growth create a two-fold reality,” adds Reeve McDonald. “We welcome growth which affirms the attractiveness of our region; however, it brings increased traffic and heavier loads, raising the County’s maintenance costs to ensure our bridges and paved and gravel roads can sustain current and future industrial development.”

Budget decisions included allocating $23.9 million for road improvements and prioritizing community wellness and safety, achieved through a mandated $4.3 million transfer to the provincial government to support RCMP and policing costs.

Prior to the interim budget, Council endorsed the 10‑year water and sewer capital projects plan. Meanwhile, funding for the development of the Community Wellness and Safety Strategy was deferred to final budget in April pending Council’s strategic planning session.

Through Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs) – cost-sharing agreements with neighbouring municipalities – the County contributes to services that enhance quality of life for its growing population, including recreational facilities. The County is currently in its first year of a recreation and culture cost-sharing agreement with the City of Grande Prairie and is providing a one-time capital contribution as part of the Multisport Dome Capital Contribution Agreement, a facility offering regional benefits to both County and City residents. Beginning January 1, 2026, renewed agreements with Sexsmith and Beaverlodge will support continued recreation access for County residents.

Highlights of some of the services, programs and projects Council approved for 2026 include: 

•  Approximately 69 per cent of the capital budget is going toward road and bridge projects.
  
  
• An estimated $7.9 million in Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) contributions, cost-sharing agreements with other municipalities, including the City of Grande Prairie and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley.
  
  
•  $7.3 million in grants to various organizations for recreation, health, community, culture, seniors and special needs transportation, and libraries.
  
  
• $4.3 million in mandated transfers to the provincial government for RCMP and other policing costs.
  
  
•  $1.3 million to the City of Grande Prairie for the revenue sharing agreement, which has the purpose of fostering regional development (share of municipal tax revenue – 20 per cent from the co-generational facility and 10 per cent on any new commercial/industrial development in areas serviced by Aquatera). 

The 2026 final budget and tax rates will be approved in April once the amounts collected for education and property assessment values by the provincial government are confirmed.

Learn more about highlights of the 2026 interim operating and capital budgets in the Budget Highlights.

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Additional information: See Budget Highlights 

Media Contacts:

Amanda McDonald
Reeve

Joulia Whittleton
County Manager
780-532-9722

Budget Highlights

Capital Budget

Approximately $26.5 million is being invested in capital road and bridge projects.

Grant funding is estimated at $8.8 million, including an estimated $1.8 million Canada Community Building Fund, an estimated $4.7 million in funding from Local Government Fiscal Framework Grant and an estimated $2.3 million Alberta Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program grant.

Some of the highlights of the capital budget include: 

• $14.5 million for surfaced road rehabilitation, including 50 km of resurfacing and seal coating
  
  
• $8.4 million for fleet replacement
  
  
• $4 million for gravel road rehabilitation
  
  
• $1.3 million for the Hythe sewer replacement project
  
  
• $668,580 for Range Road 53 and Township 714 intersection upgrades
  
  
• $595,000 in additional funding for the Hythe recreation facilities water well supply project
  
  
• $580,000 for the Teepee Creek water well drilling and distribution system upgrade
  
  
•  $460,130 for the J.D.A. County Sportsplex ice-making fluid cooling system
  
  
• $300,000 addition for the roadside brushing program
  
  
• $265,000 for 113 Avenue roundabout lighting in Clairmont
  
  
• $200,000 for Hythe Wellhouse 1 Water Treatment Plant waterproofing project

Operating Budget

The proposed operating budget for 2026 includes: 

• $7.3 million in grants to various organizations for recreation, health, community, culture, seniors and special needs transportation, and libraries.
  
  
• An estimated $7.9 million in Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) contributions, cost sharing agreements with other municipalities, including the City of Grande Prairie and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley. 
  
  
• An estimated $1.3 million to the City of Grande Prairie for the tax sharing agreement to be allocated to projects fostering regional development (share of municipal tax revenue – 20 per cent from the co-generational facility and 10 per cent on any new commercial/industrial development in areas serviced by Aquatera).
  
  
• $852,408 for the County Library Board grant.
  
  
• $700,000 for storm sewer cleaning and condition assessment.
  
  
•  $600,000 to STARS, installments of $200,000 annually for three years, 2025 to 2027.

Schedule of Fees and Rates Changes 

• The updated schedule of fees, rates, and charges Bylaw will be posted in early 2026.