2026 Budget Breakdown

The City’s budget outlines how we plan to raise and spend money in the upcoming fiscal year. It shows how tax dollars and other revenues are allocated to deliver the services the community relies on, and to build, operate, and maintain roads, parks, recreation facilities, and other essential City infrastructure.
The budget is broken into two parts, the operating budget and the capital budget. 
Operating Budget  Capital Budget 

Reflects the funds required for the City to provide programs and services. The operating budget is typically funded through property taxes, grants, and reserves. It includes expenses such as: 

Funds long-term projects dedicated to the maintenance or growth of the City's infrastructure. The capital budget is typically funded through grants and established reserves, such as the infrastructure reserve. It includes projects such as: 
  • Snow removal and street sweeping 
  • Recreation programs 
  • The City website 
  • Road repair and construction 
  • Playgrounds 
  • Manluk Centre annual maintenance 
2026 Operating Budget  2026 Capital Budget 
$49,882,864 $2,947,925
  • Property taxes: $22 Million (?) 
  • Grant funded: $2,275,000
  • Reserve funded: $222,925
   

2026 Operating Budget

Operating Budget Breakdown

The plan is organized into four strategic pillars, listed in no particular order of importance, to reflect the full range of responsibilities carried by the municipality. 

Public Works

The Public Works Department is responsible for the management of some of the most essential municipal infrastructure and services. Cemeteries, streets, parks, and other public assets are maintained by our Public Works crews.

  • Cemeteries 
  • Parks & Trails 
  • Snow Removal & Street Sweeping 
  • Utilities 

Planning & Development

Based on Council's direction and approved planning documents, the Planning and Development department takes the lead on all land development applications within the City of Wetaskiwin, including subdivisions, rezoning, and development permits. 

The Planning and Development Department also prepares and maintains the City's Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB), which form the basis for guiding growth and development in Wetaskiwin.

Recreation & Events

The Social & Cultural pillar reflects the people in Wetaskiwin, including safety, inclusion, connection, and quality of life.  

In this strategic plan, the Social & Cultural pillar focuses on strengthening community safety and readiness, supporting vulnerable residents, fostering a welcoming and diverse community, and improving walkability and accessibility so Wetaskiwin is a city where residents feel safe, supported, and proud to belong.

Goals

In no particular order of importance: 

Build a welcoming, connected, and accessible community for all. 

Indicators of Success: 

  • Pedestrian safety improves with mindful use of crosswalks, lighting, and accessibility infrastructure. 
  • Residents report stronger sense of belonging and inclusion.
  • Sidewalk and trail gaps are reduced, and key connections are improved. 
Strengthen community safety through prevention and partnerships. 

Indicators of Success: 

  • Community safety initiatives are coordinated and measurable. 
  • Safety outcomes improve across neighbourhoods, as measured by reduced incidents and repeat calls in priority areas. 
  • There is increased community participation in safety programs and initiatives.
Improve supports for vulnerable residents and preparedness for emergencies.

Indicators of Success: 

  • Clear plans and roles exist for sheltering and emergency supports. 
  • Emergency response coordination improves between City and regional partner agencies. 
  • Wetaskiwin is better prepared for unhoused-related emergencies and extreme weather events. 

Inspiring Governance

Governance refers to how City Council leads the municipality through clear decision-making, accountability, transparency, and respectful working relationships.  

In this strategic plan, Governance focuses on building public trust, strengthening Council and Administration alignment, improving communication, and ensuring the City has the policies, systems, and leadership practices needed to serve Wetaskiwin effectively. 

Goals

In no particular order of importance: 

Council demonstrates professional, respectful, and accountable leadership.

Indicators of Success: 

  • Council conduct and decision-making align with legislation, and City bylaws and policies. 
  • Council meetings demonstrate consistent professionalism, preparation, and respectful debate. 
  • Public confidence in Council improves over the term, as measured through citizen satisfaction feedback. 
Build strong relationships and transparent communication with residents and partners. 

Indicators of Success: 

  • Council and Administration demonstrate stronger alignment on priorities and communication. 
  • Growing timeliness and clarity in public-facing communications. 
  • Stakeholders report improved clarity and trust in city decision-making. 
Strengthen governance systems, role clarity, and organizational effectiveness. 

Indicators of Success: 

  • Council and administration report improved role clarity and fewer governance misunderstandings. 
  • Governance decisions become more consistent and less reactive over time. 
  • Key internal processes are updated and clearly documented. 

Four Strategic Pillars for 2026 - 2029

The plan is organized into four strategic pillars, listed in no particular order of importance, to reflect the full range of responsibilities carried by the municipality. 

Council's 2026 to 2029 Strategic Plan will be available soon!

Contact Us

City of Wetaskiwin
4705 50 Avenue
Box 6210
Wetaskiwin
Alberta, Canada T9A 2E9
Phone: 780.361.4400