Drayton Valley’s town council has approved the 2026 Interim Budget at $8,770,714 to support first-quarter operations, as well as the 2026 Final Capital Budget.
Approving an interim budget allows the town to begin Q1 operational spending while giving the newly elected council time to establish strategic priorities for the next four years, before approving the final budget for the entire year.
“As a newly elected council, this interim budget gives us the opportunity to become familiar with the process while beginning to set clear priorities for the next four years,” said Mayor Nancy Dodds. “That’s why our upcoming strategic planning work is so important. By setting a clear direction, we can ensure our budgets align with what matters most to the community, distinguishing between what is essential, what can be phased in over time and where we can find efficiencies without compromising core services.”
Final property tax rates will be determined in the spring, once property assessments and provincial and senior requisitions are confirmed.
Compared to 2025, expenses in the 2026 Operating Budget have increased by just over $1 million, including an approximate $188,000 increase in debt servicing, $244,000 in wages and $241,000 in RCMP services. Reserve transfers have also been allocated an additional $250,000.
The cost of contracting RCMP services alone could require a one per cent tax increase to cover the increased expense, council notes.
“There’s been an immense amount of pressure from that perspective that we have zero control over, other than saying ‘We don’t want police,’” comments Councillor Colin Clarke.
Consequently, multiple repair projects and one-time operational projects have been postponed to compensate for these increases to RCMP, supplies and other costs.
The final capital budget was approved at $1,970,363.
It focuses on high priority maintenance to key infrastructure components, including valve replacements within the water system, starting a new cell design for the landfill, 54 Avenue rehabilitation and a reservoir roof replacement. Council reduced the capital budget by $50,000 following debate at the end of November to maintain funding for valve replacements at the same level as last year.
The projects included have been pared down compared to the coming years, which the town says will have bigger projects scheduled.
To prepare for some future infrastructure replacements, council expects to make adjustments to the waste collection and utility fees in 2026 as well. Additionally, the fee for new liquor or cannabis businesses to open will be $10,000.
While the resulting tax rate is yet to be determined, the town says the 2026 Budget will take steps towards harmonizing residential and commercial tax rates. Though it’s common to have two different rates, the gap between the two has grown in Drayton Valley, which officials say can discourage investment. Beginning to align the two should support fairness, encourage economic development and help moderate tax impacts over the long term.
Dodds states, “We know that every dollar matters for families and businesses, and this budget reflects a disciplined, strategic approach that maintains essential services while strengthening our long-term financial stability. It’s not about short-term fixes; it’s about building stability and investing in Drayton Valley’s future. A new council brings fresh perspectives, and we’re committed to working together to build a strong, sustainable path forward for our community.”
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