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Budget

budget graphic

Supporting and improving the quality of life for everyone in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo depends on the efficient and reliable delivery of programs, services and capital projects. The budget is the foundation for this work and determines how we pay for these vital services and investments into the region.

Budget dollars are at work every day, supporting the services the community relies on. The roads and public transit system that people depend on to get around; police, bylaw and fire services that people depend on for their safety; the parks and waste management services that contribute to clean and healthy living; the social and leisure activities that help make the region a vibrant, inclusive, and rewarding place to live and visit.

Budget 2023 Highlights
Budget 2023 Highlights
Budget icon
Budget Basics
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Budget Dollars at Work

Budget 2023 Highlights

An overview of the 2023 budget highlights, with a news release PDF button below for screenreaders.

Read more about the 2023 Budget in the news release below.

2023 Budget News Release

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Budget Basics

Developing the budget involves making decisions and prioritizing between essential programs, infrastructure demands, and the wants and needs of all stakeholders. It is the responsibility of the Mayor and Council to lead Administration through this process and to make those difficult decisions on behalf of taxpayers. The Municipality’s budget cycle follows the calendar year: January 1 through December 31.

Councils 2022-2025 Strategic Plan outlines five programs that that are closely connected to the budget planning process. These programs help the RMWB and Council to make decisions and allocate critical financial resources that are aligned with the following :

  • Fiscal Management
  • Building Partnerships
  • Rural and Indigenous Communities and Relationships
  • Local Economy
  • Downtown Visualization
 About the Budget

Annually, Mayor and Council approve a one-year operating budget and a two-year financial plan, as well as a multi-year capital budget and capital plan. 

While a one-year budget is for daily operations and current development, longer term plans help for addressing larger needs over a longer period.

Budget dollars come from several different revenue sources, such as property taxes and grants from other levels of government. They also come from sales of goods and services provided by the Municipality like utilities, water and fees at the landfill.

The RMWB is required by provincial law to balance its operating and capital budgets each year – which means that the money spent must be equal to the money raised. To balance the budget, the RMWB can either increase its revenues using tools such as property taxes and fees, or through managing expenses by changing or reducing the cost of services.

Operating Budget

The Operating Budget covers the daily or monthly expenses that keep the community functioning: everything from curbside collection and road maintenance to public transit and water.  

With the Municipality being one of the largest in Canada by geographical size, the majority of budget dollars are used to deliver a wide range of services, many of which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

Capital Budget

This portion of the budget is put towards bigger investments like buildings, equipment, roads, underground systems and other important infrastructure. This includes maintaining, rehabilitating and improving existing infrastructure and equipment.

 Budget Terms and Meanings

Operating Budget

The operating budget balances the revenues and expenditures needed to deliver the services, programs and projects that community members rely on.

 Examples of these programs and services are:

  • Maintaining the roads and public transit systems that move people
  • Police, bylaws and fire rescue services to keep people safe
  • Water service, waste management and drainage to keep the Region clean and healthy
  • Social programs and leisure activities that make Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo a great place to live, work, visit and play

Capital Budget

The capital budget is for the things the Municipality builds, and for all fixed assets, such as equipment and lifecycle upgrades to assets. It also pays for building and maintaining infrastructure. Examples are:

  • Roads
  • Bridges
  • Recreation centres
  • Fire halls
  • Parks

Budget Surpluses and Deficits

A surplus occurs when the RMWB either spends less than it thought it would or raises more revenue than predicted.

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Related

 Past budgets

2022 Approved Budget Plan and Financial Plan

2021 Approved Budget Plan and Financial Plan

  • 2020
    • Approved 2020 Budget Summary
    • 2020 Budget Highlights
    • RMWB by the Numbers
    • 2020 Budget + Primer
    • 2020 Budget Reader's Guide
  • 2019 Budget
  • 2018 Budget
  • 2017 Budget
  • 2016 Budget
  • Financial Reports
  • Fiscal Management Strategy
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Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo footer logo

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
9909 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray Alberta T9H 2K4

Phone: 780-743-7000
Toll free: 1-800-973-9663

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