Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2026/FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The proposed 2026 Budget was presented to City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 4, during their regular meeting. Council will now deliberate the proposed Operating Budget of $297 million and the proposed Capital Budget of $214 million, with a targeted tax adjustment of $5.9 million (or 6.6%) to balance the 2026 budget. If approved, this would result in an additional $13.67 in municipal taxes per month for the average Airdrie Household.
Proposed Operating Budget Highlights
Key drivers for the proposed tax adjustment include operational costs of major new facilities, including the request for additional firefighters that will be stationed at the new Highland Park Fire Station, debt payments for both the fire station and the Inspire multi-use facility, and operating of the new Airdrie Animal Services Centre.
As part of the deliberation process later this month, Council will face several discretionary decisions including operating pressures stemming from population growth, one-time costs and new initiatives that respond to evolving community needs, and capital investment contributions to support the City’s $1.4 billion of assets.
Proposed Capital Budget Highlights
The 2026 – 2035 Capital Plan details $1.3 billion in infrastructure investments over the next decade with $214 million allocated to projects in 2026. Major initiatives include the South Regional Lift Station and the Wastewater force main to Calgary. These projects aim to support the long-term growth of our City.
Budget Deliberations
Council will be provided a “menu of options” during deliberations which will be held on Nov. 24, 26 and 28. This deliberation process will determine the final tax adjustment, and will include discussion items such as the strategic use of reserves to ease in operating costs of new facilities, adjustments to expenditures, and external funding requests.
For more details on the 2026 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets, please see the 2026 Budget for Council Deliberation.
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