County of Grande Prairie 2026 Budget Focuses on Investing in Critical Infrastructure, Regional Partnerships, and Public Safety

By County of Grande Prairie - Apr 24, 2026

County of Grande Prairie 2026 Budget Focuses on Investing in Critical Infrastructure, Regional Partnerships, and Public Safety

County of Grande Prairie Council has approved the 2026 budget, prioritizing infrastructure and services to support a growing region while maintaining its focus on long-term sustainability and a competitive tax rate.

The budget includes a 2.9 per cent municipal tax rate increase, equal to $5.29 per month, or $63.48 annually, for an average residential property valued at $510,000.

A significant portion of the taxes shown on County tax notices are provincial, not municipal taxes. The County is required to collect education property taxes on behalf of the Government of Alberta, as well as the levy for seniors’ lodging for the Grande Spirit Foundation. This money is sent directly to the province and the Grande Spirit Foundation and does not fund County services.

For 2026, the province increased the amount for education by $5.5 million or 19 per cent.

The total budget is $208.5 million, including $129.1 million for general operations, $38.3 million for capital investments, and $41.1 million from 2025 capital project carry-overs.

The budget allocates $51.7 million for road improvements, supporting continued economic growth and maintaining core infrastructure. It also includes a mandated $4.3 million transfer to the provincial government for RCMP costs.

“Council’s 2026 budget reflects a balanced approach to managing growth while supporting the services residents rely on,” says Reeve Amanda McDonald. “We are making targeted investments while remaining mindful of the financial impact on taxpayers, including funding for water and wastewater systems and roads that will support long-range planning for our communities.”

Through intermunicipal cost-sharing agreements, the County continues to partner with neighbouring municipalities to deliver shared services, including recreation.

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

Approximately 68.5 per cent of the capital budget is going toward road and bridge projects.

An estimated $8.5 million in intermunicipal cost-sharing agreements with other municipalities, including the City of Grande Prairie and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley.

$8.9 million in community grant funding 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.

$4 million for gravel road rehabilitation

$3.1 million for a snow storage site

$2.4 million for the ongoing Hythe sewer replacement project

$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).

Learn more about highlights of the 2026 final operating and capital budgets in the budget highlights.

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Communications and Marketing

Email: communications@countygp.ab.ca
780-532-9722

Budget Highlights

Capital Budget

Approximately $54.4 million is being invested in capital road and bridge projects. 

Capital Grant funding is estimated at $17.4 million, including an estimated $5.4 million Canada Community Building Fund, an estimated $6.8 million in funding from the Local Government Fiscal Framework Grant, an estimated $3.6 million Alberta Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program grant, and $1.6 million in other provincial grants.

Some of the highlights of the capital budget include:

$14.5 million for surfaced road rehabilitation, including 50 km of resurfacing and seal coating

$11.2 million for fleet replacement

$4 million for gravel road rehabilitation

$3.1 million for a snow storage site. This project will be funded over two years, with $300,000 in 2026 and $2.8 million in 2027.

$2.4 million for the Hythe sewer replacement project

$595,000 in additional funding for the Hythe recreation facilities water well supply project

$460,130 for the J.D.A. County Sportsplex ice-making fluid cooling system. This project will be funded over two years, with $159,800 in 2026 and $300,330 in 2027.

$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 approved operating budget for 2026 includes:

$8.9 million in community grant funding to various organizations for recreation, health, community, culture, seniors and special needs transportation, and libraries.

$5.7 million in intermunicipal cost-sharing agreements with other municipalities, including the City of Grande Prairie and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley.

An additional $2.8 million in intermunicipal cost-sharing as a one-time capital contribution to the City of Grande Prairie under the Multisport Dome Capital Contribution Agreement.

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 of Grande Prairie Library Board grant

$700,000 for storm sewer cleaning and condition assessment

$650,000 for decommissioning the Teepee Creek water treatment system and providing nine active wells and treatment units for existing individual lot owners.

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County of Grande Prairie
Administration Building
10001 - 84 Avenue
Clairmont, AB
T8X 5B2

Phone: 780-532-9722
Fax: 780-539-9880
Email: info@countygp.ab.ca