Council approves interim 2026 municipal budget

Interim budget funds municipal operations and key capital projects for the first quarter of 2026

At its Dec. 9 meeting, Council approved a $149M 2026 Interim Municipal Budget to fund municipal services for the first quarter of 2026. This interim budget ensures residents continue to receive the services they rely on. The full 2026 operating and capital budgets will be presented to Council through a series of budget meetings scheduled for Feb. 3-5, 2026, with Feb. 6 set aside as an additional day if needed. 

“It’s important for us that necessary funding for operations, programs, projects and services is in place as we prepare for 2026 budget meetings in February,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman. “We have an engaged Council working alongside the community and the team at the Municipality, and we look forward to having open, public discussions. We encourage residents to participate. 

What’s included in the approved interim 2026 budget?

The approved interim 2026 budget: 

  • Allocates $11.4 million for 2026 and $5.4 million for 2027 plan for capital initiatives, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of specific projects vital to community infrastructure and service continuity. 

  • Provides $11 million in funding to the Community Investment Program Approval Committee, the approval authority responsible for the Community Sustaining Grant, Community Capital Grant and the Community Impact grant. 

  • Includes one quarter of annual funding for the municipality, RMWB controlled corporations and municipal facility operators. 

“Adopting an interim budget is a common budget approach recommended for a newly elected Council. It provides Councillors with the opportunity to become familiar with the policies and processes, while ensuring services continue without interruption,” said Laurie Farquharson, chief financial officer.  

The full proposed 2026 budget and supporting information will be available online in the new year at rmwb.ca/budget 

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