The M.D. of Smoky River passed its 2026 final budget at a special meeting May 6.
“Major changes from the 2025 budget include the removal of the bad debt provision for taxes, reflecting improved collection expectations,” says Reeve Paula Guindon.
“The addition of a truck fill station in Falher to support service levels and future growth, enhancements within Agricultural Services (ASB), and an overall increase in requisitions.”
Guindon added the ASB changes include the addition of a second mowing crew, an increased spraying budget, and the reinstatement of transfers to capital reserves to support long-term sustainability.
Large projects on the agenda this year include bridge upgrades on Township Road 782 and Range Road 212. The bridges will be upgraded with grant funding as part of improvements to the drainage system.
New road construction of about 0.8 km on Township Road 740 west of Highway 747 will be completed. Flood damage repairs will be completed once the M.D. has finished addressing the sites impacted by the 2026 flood.
The MD will also be maintaining and completing rehab work on bridges and large culverts in the municipality.
Ratepayers may notice an additional $100,000 in the 2026 budget for water supply.
“The increased budget reflects the addition of a truck fill station in the town of Falher,” says Guindon.
“To operate this facility, the M.D. will purchase water from the Smoky River Water Commission and provide access to users through the station.”
Associated costs will be offset by user fees.
Council has not allocated any contingency funding in 2026 because they are anticipating improved tax collection.
“Historically, contingency funds were included to offset potential shortfalls from unpaid oil and gas taxes, helping ensure that any impacts were not passed on to ratepayers,” says Guindon.
“For 2026, this allocation is not required, as the MD anticipates those taxes will be paid.”
Guindon adds there has been a drop from about $5 million to $2.765 million in 2026 in the general administration budget.
“The decrease in the general administration budget is primarily due to the removal of contingency funding that was included in prior years,” Guindon continues.
“Previously, these funds were set aside to offset potential shortfalls from unpaid oil and gas taxes. For 2026, this allocation is no longer required, as the MD anticipates those taxes will be paid.”
Fire/disaster services budget expenditures have nearly tripled in 2026, going up to $1.5 million from $553,000.
“The increase in the 2026 budget is primarily related to the Hazard Assistance and Resiliency Program (HARP), formerly known as the Disaster Recovery Program (DRP),” she says.
“The budget includes both anticipated expenditures and corresponding grant revenue, as the M.D. intends to apply for provincial funding.”
Up to approximately 90 per cent of eligible costs are expected to be reimbursed, with the remaining portion representing the MD’s contribution.
Guindon says to support the HARP application, the MD has been identifying and documenting flood-affected sites.
“Residents are encouraged to leave the survey markers, both stakes and ribbons, in place to help verify locations and strengthen our application,” says Guindon.
“The $1 million allocation (in 2026 flood mitigation expenses) represents an estimate of costs associated with the 2026 flood event, including both infrastructure repairs and mitigation work to reduce future risk.”
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter