It's Budget Season

It’s budget season in St. Albert, and City Hall has tabled its proposed 2026 budget - featuring a 3.9% property tax increase and a 7.9% hike to utility rates.

City staff say this is the lowest proposed increase in years, but for many residents already struggling with higher costs, even a “small” increase feels like too much.

The City plans to spend $226.2 million next year, and they are facing major cost increases across the board, including $2.2 million more for salaries and benefits, $5.1 million more for RCMP and utilities, and $4.3 million for “corporate contingencies” related to inflation and union contracts.

There are also new spending proposals waiting for Council’s approval, including $300,000 for a policing services review and $93,000 for a new community outreach assistant at the library.

At the same time, City Hall plans to spend an additional $200,000 on arts and community grants, and $600,000 more on credit card fees after deciding to accept card payments for taxes and utilities.

While Administration touts St. Albert’s “low operating costs per capita,” the trend is clear: every year, more money is being spent, and taxpayers are footing the bill.

If you want to have your say before it’s too late, budget deliberations will continue on December 1st, 3rd, and 8th.

Residents can register to speak at a Council meeting or complete the City’s budget survey by November 14th to share their feedback.

This is the first chance for new and newly re-elected Councillors to prove they’re serious about fiscal responsibility - and the best chance for residents to make their voices heard.

At Common Sense St. Albert, we’ll be watching closely, breaking down the numbers, and holding City Hall accountable. 

But we can’t do it without you. 

If you believe St. Albert deserves a City government that focuses on core priorities and respects taxpayers, please consider making a donation today to help us keep the pressure on:

We’ll share a full breakdown of the 2026 budget soon - for now, your support ensures residents have a voice in how their money is spent.

Thank you!

- The Common Sense St. Albert Team