Financial Planning and Budgets

The development of the County’s financial plan and budget is one of the most critical functions undertaken by Council and Administration. The County develops an annual budget with multiyear financial and capital plans to reinforce the commitment to long-term fiscal strategies. Although the budget is approved for one year, this multi-year view allows for transparency of short and long-term plans to residents and other stakeholders. Once the budget is approved, any amendments to the budget must have formal approval through County Council.

Budget Cycle

The budget planning process is almost a full year initiative as preparation begins in early May for the following budget year. The Proposed Budget is presented to Council in October/November and adopted as required under the Municipal Government Act (MGA) prior to the calendar year-end December 31. To prepare the proposed budget, each department initially prepares a budget based on what is required to maintain current services and service levels.

To fund maintaining service levels, changes in service levels, new expenditures, including the addition of personnel, a business case is developed and brought forward to Council for their consideration. Council reviews all business cases and votes on which requests will be incorporated into the operating budget.

2025 Budget 

You can view the County's 2025 Budget by clicking here.

Proposed 2026 Budget

Click here to view the County's proposed 2026 budget.

You are invited to provide feedback on the proposed 2026 budget using A Balancing Act, a budgeting simulation that allows you to learn more about the County's priorities for spending and revenues while giving your own input.

Click here to access A Balancing Act: Operational Budget Simulator

Click here to access A Balancing Act: Capital Projects Prioritizing Tool

For more information about individual capital projects, including pre-approved, funded and unfunded projects, click here.