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December 16, 2025, Town of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta – The Town of Rocky Mountain House Council has adopted its balanced 2026 operating budget in the amount of $29,761,807 and capital budget of $5,455,550.
The approved budget includes a 2.87% increase in property tax revenue.
“Council is proud to have passed its first budget. The year ahead will see the continuation of municipal services that our community expects, and capital investment in infrastructure that our residents want and need,” said Mayor Shane Boniface.
Council approved the 2026 budget at its December 16, 2025, regular Council meeting. It provides Council’s direction on spending for the coming and future years and allows administration to implement Council’s directed service levels for the municipality.
The 2026 operating and budget continues to focus on economic growth through development incentives and the rural renewal stream program. Council has also budgeted for one new position that would be partially funded by the province, pending a Municipal Intern grant.
The cost of governance (Council) is forecasted at $498,740 or 1.7 per cent of the overall operating budget.
Capital projects
The 2026 capital budget totals $5,455,550. Highlights are:
- Completion of the new wastewater treatment plant (project carried forward from 2025);
- Replacement of financial software due to end of life for the existing system ($500,000);
- A new website redesign for improved user experience ($100,000);
- Creating an engineering plan based on the Riverview Concept plan with the intent to create an affordable area for new residential development ($200,000); and
- A modest continuation of the wayfinding project, focused on the active district around the Rocky Regional Recreation Centre and the Skate Park, Spray Park, Bike Park and Disc Golf area ($25,000).
Council has also allotted $3.6 Million for transportation, airport and utility projects to improve roads, utilities and fleet equipment, including:
- A new quonset in the public works yard ($350,000);
- The final lift for 43 Street and 47 Avenue paving in the industrial area ($450,000);
- A new runway sweeper ($475,000); and
- Replacement of the water, sewer and road at 49 Street and 40 Avenue ($1,815,000).
Meanwhile, recreation will see a $900,000 investment for recreation, parks and playgrounds, and culture including:
- Playground upgrades ($100,000);
- An outdoor washroom near the new bike park ($120,000);
- Roofing repairs in the arena complex to maintain the structural integrity of the building ($470,000); and
- Continued development of multipurpose trails ($80,000).
Council will also carry-forward two projects from 2025: money that had been allotted for civic building design and recreation centre expansion concept drawings in 2025 has now been combined and repurposed. In 2026, the $300,000 will be instead used to complete concept drawings for a combined civic/recreation centre expansion.
The cost of wastewater treatment
One challenge with this budget is the pending increase cost of the municipal sewer system. Rocky Mountain House’s new Wastewater Treatment Plant will come on-line in early 2026. The mechanical plant is required to meet increased provincial environmental regulations around wastewater, but comes with an additional $1 million annual operating cost.
All municipal utilities – including solid waste, recycling, organics, water and wastewater –operate on a cost-recovery model. This means the Town only charges what it costs to deliver utilities to residents and businesses. Utilities are not subsidized by taxation. Only properties that use the municipal water and sewer are invoiced for the service.
As a direct result of the new plant, Council has had to adjust base and consumption rates for water and wastewater services. The largest increase will be to the wastewater base rate and septage disposal rate, and a modest increase in the bulk water per cubic meter price.
The average residential property using about 14 m3 of water per month will see a $10 increase to its bill.
Property taxes
The 2.87 percent overall tax increase will collect an additional $415,323 in property tax revenue in 2026 over 2025 figures. This amount includes taxation on new assessment and the reduction in commercial taxation as a result of Council’s development incentives.
Actual property tax rates will be set in the spring after the Town receives its updated property assessment roll.
Though these rates may change slightly once the final assessment is received, the average single family residential property owner can expect to pay an additional $80 per year or $6.67 per month in property taxes next year.
Future-focused finances
A five-year operating, and ten-year capital plan has also been developed and included as part of the budget document. This long-range planning ensures that the municipality is financially viable and that financing requirements are addressed in the long term.
Related media and documents
2026 Budget Summary
2026 Capital Projects summary and funding sources
Capital Projects Highlights and Map
Administrative Budget Report
Budget meeting (recorded livestream)
Utility Rate FAQ
Audited Financial Statements
Audited Financial Statements - opens in a new page
