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Council approves 2026 Budget

Dec. 9, 2025 - For Immediate Release


Airdrie, AB – On December 9, City Council approved the 2026 Operating Budget of $299.2 million and the 2026 Capital Budget of $215.9 million. To balance these budgets, Council approved a municipal tax adjustment of $4.2 million, or 4.6%. For the average household assessed at $614,000, this represents $115 per year, or about $9.59 per month.

“Council and I have approached this budget with our neighbours firmly in mind,” says Mayor Heather Spearman. “Airdrie is growing quickly and that brings tough choices and real trade-offs. With more than half of Council being new, we’ve been learning together while feeling the weight of what many families are going through with affordability. Municipal budgeting is incredibly technical - from tax stabilization to planning years ahead in our ten-year capital plan. Through all that complexity, however, we focused on doing what’s right for Airdrie’s future.”

City Manager Horacio Galanti adds, “The 2026 budget reflects the realities of serving a community that is growing by more than 4,500 residents each year and is expected to surpass a population of 100,000 within the next two years. This budget strategically manages inflation, strengthens operational capacity, and advances major projects such as the South West Recreation Centre, and the Highland Park Fire Station, which is currently in its initial construction phase. It also provides funding for essential road and utility upgrades, including a high-capacity wastewater line and the design of future potable water projects, ensuring that Airdrie is well-prepared to support both current needs and future growth.”

What Does an Additional $9.59 Per Month Deliver for Residents?

The municipal tax adjustment of $9.59 per month supports critical services and major projects that keep Airdrie safe, connected, and thriving.

2026 Capital Investment Highlights

  • Lifecycle Airdrie’s $1.4 billion asset base
  • Grand Opening of the Highland Park Fire Station
  • First full year of operations at Inspire, Airdrie’s Multi-use Facility and Library
  • Assumed operation of the Animal Services Centre, ensuring local oversight and improved service for residents and their pets
  • Parks, facilities and pathway rehabilitation across the City
  • Fleet replacements and technology infrastructure
  • Road rehabilitation for a growing community

2026 Municipal Services Highlights

  • Continued investment in Fire and Emergency response, including 25 new Firefighters and 4 additional RCMP Officers
  • 29.8 new positions to maintain service levels as Airdrie grows
  • Updates to the Family and Community Support Services strategy to support community programs
  • Operating grants to the Airdrie Public Library and Affordable Housing Limited
  • Advancing the Housing Action Plan and continuing efforts on the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
  • Technology upgrades to modernize operations and improve service delivery

Budget Facts

  • Municipalities cannot run deficits. Unlike other levels of government, cities are legally required to balance their budgets every year and cannot spend more than they bring in.
  • The amounts shown above reflect the municipal portion of residents property taxes, which is approximately 63% of the total bill. These funds stay in Airdrie to support local services such as roads, parks, emergency services, and recreation.
  • The remaining 37% of property taxes is directed to the Province for education (36%) and the Rocky View Foundation to support seniors’ housing (1%).
  • The City sets municipal tax rates through its annual budget process. In early 2026, the Province will advise on the amount required for education tax, which the City collects on its behalf. This amount is unknown at the time of the City’s budget approval and is not included in the monthly figure above.
  • While the City receives revenue from other sources, these fluctuate and are often restricted for specific uses. Property taxes are the only stable source of funding for our City. Property taxes provide predictable, ongoing revenue that allows the City to maintain services and plan for the future.

Full details on the 2026 budget will be released in early 2026. For more information, please visit airdrie.ca/budget.

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Media contact:

Communications, Engagement & Marketing

corporate.communications@airdrie.ca