Whitecourt approves 2025 Interim Budget

Whitecourt Town Council has approved the 2025 Interim Budget.  The budget, totaling $106,288,969, consists of a $53,481,399 operating budget and a capital budget of $52,807,570.  The budget maintains service levels and funds important capital investments with a 3.77% tax rate increase.

“This budget is about preparing for the future,” stated Whitecourt Mayor Tom Pickard.  “It includes investments of over $5.5 million in emergency preparedness and mitigation, and capital investments that will ensure residents needs continue to be met.  This budget also includes services and initiatives that are part of the recently signed Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework with Woodlands County, which allows our communities to continue to build new partnerships and endeavors that will benefit our economy and quality of life.”

The 2025 Interim Budget Report can be viewed on the Whitecourt website at www.whitecourt.ca/your-town.

2025 Capital Budget Highlights:

• The Culture & Events Centre is the biggest capital investment for 2025, and is scheduled to be complete in late 2026.
• A Community Fireguard, approximately 4.5 kilometres long and 100 metres wide, will be constructed on the eastern boundary of Whitecourt.
• Phase One Flood Protection mitigation projects will be completed to protect the Town’s water and wastewater infrastructure in the event of a flood. Phase 3 of the Centennial Park Pathway Improvement Project will be completed.

2025 Operating Budget Highlights:

• Continue to develop youth-focused programming, including the Doors Open Program and Teen Week.
• Continuation of the social prescribing services for seniors in the region, with support from the United Way and Health Aging Alberta.  This program helps connect seniors with non-medical programs and services in the community to enhance their quality of life.
• The Transportation Master Plan will be completed, and will include an evaluation of the 55 Avenue and Dahl Drive/Mink Creek Road intersection.  The Plan will provide a strategy for the orderly, timely and economic development of roadway systems in Whitecourt to serve the future growth of the community.
• A comprehensive review and update of Off Site Levy Bylaw 1532 will be completed.
• A general municipal election will be held in October 2025.
• The Wastewater Treatment Plant Study will be completed to provide options to consider to support community growth.
• A comprehensive market analysis of the local business environment attraction and a strategy for retention will be completed. 

The 2025 Budget will be finalized in the spring of 2025 once the Provincial budget is adopted, and final assessment figures are established.  Specific tax rate impacts will vary by property type depending on the assessed value of a home or business, and will be determined once the final budget is adopted.