Budget 2026: delivering on high service levels while prioritizing strategic financial planning

Strathcona County Council has approved a 4.88 per cent municipal tax revenue increase for 2026. This decision ensures high-quality service levels for residents while maintaining one of the region’s lowest tax rates. 1.13 per cent of the 4.88 is required to meet operational needs and address growth, while the remainder is focused on capital priorities.   
 
This spring, we heard from residents via a public survey about the budget. Respondents indicated their top two budget priorities are long-term fiscal sustainability and minimizing property taxes, but not at the expense of services. Budget 2026 delivers on these priorities by emphasizing fiscal responsibility while supporting sustainable growth and enhanced service delivery for residents and partners across industrial, commercial, agricultural and local business sectors.   
 
“This budget reflects our commitment to maintaining high-quality service levels for residents, while recognizing the importance of ongoing capital planning,” says Jennifer Cannon, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Services and CFO. “By focusing on our core priorities and making future strategic investments in people, technology and infrastructure, we are ensuring the County’s financial stability and sustainable growth for years to come.” 
 
This is the final year of the six per cent tax increase for the recreation levy that was approved by Council in December 2023. This increase was to be spread over three years, by two per cent each year. The 2026 tax increase includes the final year of this levy, attributed to offset the total cost of building the new indoor fieldhouse, increasing much needed County recreation space.  

“Earlier this year we asked our community for feedback and learned that 91 per cent of residents see the County as a good or very good place to live,” said Mayor Frank. “Residents recognize that every dollar is working hard to deliver services, maintain infrastructure and invest in the future of our community. This budget continues to reflect the County's commitment to responsible spending and addressing affordability for the citizen, while offering enough flexibility to balance today's needs with tomorrow's growing priorities." 
 
The estimated impact for a typical residence assessed at $475,000 would be $109 per year, or $9 per month. For a commercial property assessed at $1.98 million, the estimated impact is around $1,030 annually, or $86 per month. 
 
The final municipal tax rate will be approved in the spring of 2026. More information on the 2026 budget is available at strathcona.ca/budget.   

Additional information   

Capital budget  
Strathcona County plans its capital budget with a 10-year outlook. In 2026, the County enters its final year of the 2024-2026 multi-year capital budget, approving updates to the 2026 capital plan. For 2026, the capital budget requires $93.6 million. Of this amount, 67.3 per cent will be dedicated to renewing and maintaining existing infrastructure, while 32.7 per cent will support new development, such as expanding utility and road systems to meet growth needs. 

2026 Capital project by asset type 

• Roadway infrastructure 32% 

• Utilities 36% 

• Vehicles 16% 

• Buildings 9% 

• Electronic hardware and software 3% 

• Parks and open spaces 2% 

• Machinery and equipment 2% 

During budget deliberations, Strathcona County Council and Administration decided to delay the opening of Fire Station 7 from 2028 to mid-2029. However, the County remains committed to aligning with the Fire Master Plan, and the addition of eight FTE positions for the Fire Department will proceed as planned in 2026. This decision reflects the current economic environment and the need to manage resources responsibly, while delivering on the high standard of services that County residents expect. By adjusting the project timeline, Council is working to keep future municipal taxes as low as possible.  

From 2026 to 2035, capital spending is forecasted to range from $76.8 million to $230.2 million annually, with the total 10-year capital plan estimated at over $1.1 billion. Annual programs are forecasted to total between $56.0 million and $76.2 million annually over that same period.  

Utility rates  
Utility fees for water, wastewater, stormwater management and solid waste collection will increase by 8.12 per cent. This increase is driven almost entirely by a 19.87 per cent rise in wastewater charges from ARROW Utilities, a cost that is passed directly through to customers, without any markup by the County. The County does not set these rates, and the full amount is collected on behalf of ARROW Utilities. For the average urban residential utility customer, this means an additional $11.07 per month or $132.84 per year.  

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Contact 
Strathcona County Communications 
780-410-6595