Grande Prairie City Council has concluded deliberations for the 2025 Budget, approving both a four-year operating budget and a five-year capital budget which outline financial strategies and priorities for maintaining quality service standards amid rising costs and ongoing economic pressures.
To enhance the delivery of the City’s 292 essential services, the 2025 budget includes updates to the City’s organizational structures and systems to improve efficiency, create clearer lines of accountability, optimize resources, and support agility to take advantage of upcoming opportunities.
What Homeowners Can Expect
Budget 2025 requires a 2.28 per cent tax increase, which equates to approximately $6.15 per month for the average single-family dwelling, compared to the 2024 tax year. This increase will help address inflation, contractual obligations and revenue challenges, while maintaining the quality service delivery residents expect and positioning the City strongly for future growth.
Budget 2025 Highlights
The 2025 Budget contains key investments aimed at improving the quality of life and fostering growth in Grande Prairie, with a focus on infrastructure, community services and economic development. Key highlights include:
·$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.
Information provided by the City of Grande Prairie