Blackfalds Council Approves 2026 Operating Budget
Blackfalds, Alberta (March 12, 2026) –The 2026 Town of Blackfalds operating budget, in the amount of $38,973,535, and the 3-year operating forecast were approved during the March 10 Regular Council Meeting, resulting in a moderate tax increase for Blackfalds residents. This decision followed budget workshops, presentations, and discussions between Administration and Council that resulted in changes to capital projects, finding cost-savings in several areas of the budget.
“I want to thank Council and Administration for working together throughout this budget process to reduce the originally proposed increase from $10.77/month on a $380,000 home to $5.40/month,” shared Mayor Laura Svab. “I believe that we have listened to what our residents have asked us; to be fiscally responsible while still protecting the services our community relies on.
“As a new Council working through our first budget together with Administration, I am proud of the thoughtful discussion and collaboration that went into this year’s budget decisions,” Svab added. “Council and Administration took the time to bring forth their ideas, review service levels, and develop a budget that our community wants.”
It was suggested by Council that instead of communicating an overarching percentage to residents, Town Administrationpresent a number-based increase to show how much of an increase residents can expect depending on their assessed home values.
Assessed Value - Monthly Increase
$200,000 - $2.84
$300,000 - $4.27
$380,000 - $5.40
$400,000 - $5.68
$500,000 - $7.10
$600,000 - $8.52
$700,000 - $9.94
$800,000 - $11.36
Historic increases
2025 | $352,381 - $10.81
2024 | $332,088 - $6.08
2023 | $316,373 - $9.40
Capital project updates stemming from budget deliberations during workshops included the addition of a municipal mobile app, upgrades to the Blackfalds Community Centre, and more.
Blackfalds’ Chief Administrative Officer reiterated Mayor Svab’s sentiments, explaining that the newly elected Council brought fresh perspectives and collaborated well with Administration.
“On behalf of Administration, we are proud of the teamwork displayed during the budget deliberation period. It is never an easy feat to work so cohesively together in today’s financial climate, but we are incredibly happy with the decisions and solutions that came from these discussions,” Isaak shared. “ I am proud that we worked together to get our tax increase down to one of the lowest in our comparable communities.”
For more information:
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Laura Svab |
Kim Isaak |