Beaumont's 2026 budget proposes 8.87% tax increase

BEAUMONT -- Beaumont residents could be looking at a significant tax increase.

The City's proposed budget for 2026 includes a total tax increase of 8.87 per cent, which means that the average household would pay $305 more per year in taxes if the new budget is approved as is. Beaumont's Finance Director Jay Bohachyk talks about the rationale behind the increase.

"Cost of living goes up, cost to provide service, cost of contracts, everything goes up," said Bohachyk. "We have to pay for those things, but the only way to balance that out after all of our other revenue streams is property taxes." 

According to the City, the increase would support Beaumont's growth and replenish reserves to maintain public infrastructure. Beaumont continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in Alberta, with the population increasing 23 per cent during the last five years and passing 24,500 people in 2024. Bohachyk talks about the overall focus of the proposed budget for next year.

"It focuses on maintaining service levels and maintaining our assets," said Bohachyk. "The biggest portion is around long-term financial sustainability -- setting the City up for the future."

Bohachyk adds that in the past few years, municipalities across the province have been hit with the combined impacts of inflation and tariffs, along with reduced grants from the Alberta government. He says that these effects have been amplified by Beaumont’s rapid population growth.

Many of the capital projects listed in the proposed 2026 budget focus on Beaumont's transportation network, including upgrades to the intersection of Township Road 510 and Range Road 243. A new multi-use trail is also planned along 50 Street to connect Le Rêve neighbourhood to the existing trail system at Township Road 510.

Some of the other projects allocated for in the proposed budget include the development of a sports field in Ruisseau next to École Quatre-Saisons, and improvements to the Beaumont Sport and Recreation Centre roof to prevent falling ice and snow. During their recent budget presentations, Councillor Philip Penrod acknowledged that increasing taxes by 8.87 per cent could be difficult for some residents.

"Some people move here from a higher tax place in Canada," said Councillor Penrod. "When they first get that property tax bill it can be a bit of an unwelcome surprise. But this is where the rubber meets the road." 

Open houses to discuss the proposed budget were held this past weekend.