Each year, the Finance Department leads the preparation of the annual budget for the Town. As part of the Strategic Plan to ensure long-term financial stability of the community, the Town is committed to community involvement and feedback throughout the budget process.
On this page:
1. Budget Process and Key Dates
2. Budget Factors and Guidelines
3. How to Participate
4. Previous Budgets
Budget Process and Key Dates
The 2026 Town Budget process is well underway. Developing the annual budget involves several months of planning and coordination among Town Staff, Council, and stakeholders. This process involves extensive consultation with the public and ratepayers, ending with the development of a three-year operating budget and a five-year capital budget for the following year.
The Town’s budgeting goal is to ensure, through prudent fiscal planning, the long-term economic sustainability of the community.
2026 Key Dates
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| October 3, 2025 | The draft budget book will be posted to the Town website for residents to review |
| October 14-17, 2025 | A series of special budget meetings will be held for Council and staff to review the draft budget |
| October 20, 2025 | Following the special budget meetings, Town staff will provide a report with budget-related recommendations and request direction to proceed to the Public Meeting |
| November 10, 2025 | A Public Meeting will be held to receive comments on the updated draft budget |
| November 17, 2025 | A staff report will be presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting summarizing comments received at Public Meeting and providing further budget-related recommendations to Council |
| December 1, 2025 | Council will consider the recommendation from the November 17 Committee of the Whole meeting, with direction to approve the 2026 Budget through the approval of the By-law |
Please note that these dates are tentative and subject to change.
Budget Factors and Guidelines
Resident, business and visitor demand for services and the community’s ability to pay for these services guide municipal spending. As infrastructure ages, funds must be committed for proper maintenance and refurbishment.
The Town recognizes that taxpayers are demanding value for their money. A balance must be achieved between demand for services and the taxpayers’ ability to pay for these services. The Town must ensure that services, programs, and facility commitments are sustainable now and in the future.
There are a number of factors that affect the preparation of the annual budget, including inflation, growth, development activity, economic trends, changing market conditions, taxation issues, and policy decisions of Council.
How to Participate
Council wants to hear from you. What Town services are important to you? What are your priorities and what would you like to see in our community? Provide your input and get involved in the budget process.
1. Attend an in-person meeting
A Public Meeting will be held following the posting of the updated draft budget, where you can speak directly to all of Council. Everyone is welcome.
2. Contact a member of Council
Council contact information can be found on the Council webpage.
3. Submit a letter or email
Correspondence can be sent to the Town Clerk. Contact the Town Clerk.
Previous Budgets
| Budget Year | Approval Date | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 5, 2025 | 2025 Approved Budget |
| 2024 | April 2, 2024 | 2024 Approved Budget |
| 2023 | March 27, 2023 | 2023 Approved Budget |
| 2022 | February 28, 2022 | 2022 Approved Budget |
| 2021 | February 8, 2021 | 2021 Approved Budget |
| 2020 | March 30, 2020 | 2020 Approved Budget |
| 2019 | April 24, 2019 | 2019 Approved Budget |
| 2018 | February 12, 2018 | 2018 Approved Budget |
| 2017 | February 13, 2017 | 2017 Approved Budget |
If you would like a copy of any Approved Budget prior to 2017, please contact the Finance Department.