RMWB Council approves 2024 Budget

Following four days of deliberations, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) Council has approved a $611.6M Municipal Budget.

The budget is comprised of $ 474.0M for operations and $137.6M to be transferred to reserves for capital. The capital budget is $170.4M with funding from grants, capital reserves and 2024 revenues.

“This year’s budget represents Council’s continued commitment to investing in the people and communities of the Region, while remaining rooted in a sustainable future for the Municipality,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman. “Budget 2024 plays a positive role in supporting the local economy and the people that live here through important services, projects and partnerships at a time when we need to focus on what is best for the community.”

“Municipal staff have worked hard over the last several months to develop a financially prudent budget focusing on the delivery of high-quality public service to residents,” says CAO Henry Hunter. “I’d like to thank Council, municipal staff, and everyone who participated in the budget process, for helping to create a strong and fiscally responsible plan.”

2024 Budget Highlights

The 2024 Budget also assesses and prioritizes operational and capital investments with a focus on long-term sustainability.

The following are operating budget highlights:

• $48.3 million for community partnerships and initiatives
• $44.5 million for fire and ambulance services
• $21.2 million for parks and outdoor recreation spaces
• $69.6 million for environmental services, includes water, wastewater, solid waste and underground services
• $54.4 million for police support and bylaw services
• $24.6 million for road maintenance

Capital Budget Highlights

The 2024 Capital Budget focuses on completing existing multi-year projects, while supporting new projects aligned with Council’s Strategic Plan.

Notable capital projects include:

• Flood Mitigation
• Service Connections: Rural Water and Sewer Servicing
• Anzac Lagoon Expansion
• Fort McKay Community Centre
• Rural Infrastructure Rehabilitation
• Spray Park Replacement Program
• Playground replacement/rehabilitation
• Saunderson Pressure Reducing Valve
• Public Works North Facility
• Northside Twin Arenas

A list of capital projects as presented as part of the 2024 budget is in the December 12 Council meeting package.

To learn more:

For those interested in learning more about the 2024 Budget, there are resources available on the Municipal website and additional highlights will be available in the coming days at rmwb.ca/budget.

Videos of all budget meetings and the approved budget documentation can be viewed at rmwb.ca/council.

For further information or questions, please contact Pulse at 780-743-7000, 1-800-973-9663 or online at rmwb.ca/pulse.