Council approves 2026 Operating and Capital Budget

Lloydminster, AB/SK – City Council approved the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget during the Regular Council Meeting on November 24. The approved budget outlines the City’s financial direction for the upcoming year, including operating requirements, key capital investments and long-term planning considerations.

2026 Budget Overview

The approved operating budget totals $119.3 million, supported primarily through municipal taxes and user fees. The $29.9 million capital budget includes investment across core infrastructure areas, with a focus on Environmental Services and Transportation Services.

“The approved 2026 budget positions us to maintain essential services while continuing to invest in the infrastructure our community relies on every day,” said City Manager Dion Pollard. “This year’s budget reflects careful planning, collaboration, and a commitment to meeting both immediate needs and long-term priorities.”

Public input collected earlier in the year helped guide the development of the budget, alongside ongoing financial forecasting and asset management planning.

Next Steps

With Council’s approval, administration will begin implementing the 2026 budget on January 1, in accordance with the Lloydminster Charter. Detailed budget documents, including the full presentation, are available at Lloydminster.ca/Agenda.

The approved 2026 municipal budget will be reviewed again before the 2026 municipal mill rate is finalized in the spring of 2026.

Budget at a glance:

• Municipal mill rate: Approved mill rate of 4.08%, assuming 3.5% in assessment growth
  • This helps the City continue delivering services residents use every day, such as road maintenance, parks, and protective services.
• Residential impact: For a home valued at $350,000, the approved budget results in an increase of about $9 per month, or $108 for the year.
• Operating budget: The City will invest $119.3 million in day-to-day operations
  • This funds daily services such as road repair, winter maintenance, parks, recreation, protective services, and public facilities.
• Capital budget: The approved capital budget totals $29.9 million.
  • Investments focus on infrastructure such as Environmental Services (53%) and Transportation Services (27%). This work helps ensure safe drinking water, smoother roads, and ongoing upkeep of public facilities.
• Highlighted capital projects:
  • $4.5M – Central Business District Replacement Program – Phase 1B
  • $3.0M – 2026 Water and Sewer Replacement Program – Construciton
  • $2.7M – 2026 Street Improvement Program – Construction – Various Locations
  • $1.5M – Clarifier Structural Repairs, Drive and Tube Replacement
  • $1.2M – Watermain Improvement Program

To view the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget, visit Lloydminster.ca/Budget.