Photo Courtesy EGP Staff

By Tanner Smith

2025 budget

Grande Prairie City Council approves 2025 Budget

Nov 15, 2024 | 3:35 PM

2025 Budget deliberations concluded today (Friday, November 15) in Grande Prairie Council Chambers.

A 2.28 per cent tax increase was decided on, to strike a “balance between fiscal responsibility and meeting the needs of our community, while positioning Grande Prairie for future growth and opportunity,” according to Mayor Jackie Clayton.

Clayton added, “by keeping the average annual property tax increase to less than 1 per cent over the past seven years – despite a cumulative inflation rate of over 20 per cent – we’ve reinforced our commitment to affordability.”

Alongside Budget 2025, Council also approved “both a four-year operating budget and a five-year capital budget, which outlines financial strategies and priorities for maintaining quality service standards amid rising costs and ongoing economic pressures.”

The 2.28 per cent increase equates to $6.15 per month for the average single-family dwelling and was done to align with Council’s 2022-2025 strategic plan which is built on four pillars; “Quality of life, innovative efficiencies and economic readiness, inclusive caring community, and engaging relationships.”

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Local History

Oliver's Funeral Home - 109 years of Service

Sep 04, 2024

Before the full budget is released, it will need to be ratified at Council’s December 2, meeting, however, key highlights have been made public:

• $18.8 million for road, sidewalks and path improvements, including projects like the old Highway 43 rehabilitation program and intersection upgrades.
• $3.75 million in capital funding for the Integrated Emergency Coordination Centre (IECC) that implements an integrated dispatch model that includes 911, police, fire, Mobile Outreach and Enforcement Services. This will enhance community safety by improving the efficiency of emergency response times through local evaluation and dispatch of emergency and non-emergency calls.
• $83,500 for the Regional Workforce (Work NW Alberta) to help map out coordinated targeted actions to help address employment demands, establish a skilled and resilient workforce and tap into opportunities to drive a competitive environment across the region.
• $50,000 for the Fibre Project to assess and improve broadband and fibre capacity in Grande Prairie, focusing on supporting residents, local businesses and reducing barriers to innovation and investment.
• $100,000 for the Health Care Attraction & Retention Strategy to implement targeted initiatives for physicians and healthcare practitioners, supporting their integration and connection within the community.
• $100,000 for the Urban Forest Strategy with a current focus on targeted tree grove installations along the former bypass from 100 Ave. to 100 St.
• $300,000 for playground and amenity replacement to support the diverse needs of all families
• $90,000 in funding for transit route expansion to increase the capacity of on-demand services and allow the extension of transit serves into Copperwood.

Chief Financial Officer for the City, Danielle Whiteway said much like other cities across Canada, the City of Grande Prairie has been dealing with “increasing costs.”

“This budget introduces necessary adjustments to ensure the efficient, high-quality service delivery our residents expect while positioning ourselves to adapt to the financial pressures we face.”

Anyone wanting to view the 2025 Budget report from the City, click here.