City of Leduc approves 3.8% tax increase for 2026

LEDUC -- After weeks of deliberations, the City of Leduc has officially passed its new 2026 budget.

The budget for the upcoming fiscal year contains an operational budget of $149,099,182, and more than $40,000,000 in approved capital spending. Following deliberations, Leduc City Council also approved a 3.8 per cent municipal tax increase for 2026. According to Chief Financial Officer Gene Peskens, this places the City of Leduc's tax increase among some of the lowest in the Edmonton Metro region.

"I looked at all the municipalities that have not formally adopted their budgets, but from the information I have, we would be at the lower end of the Capital region," said Peskens during his presentation to Leduc Council on December 9, 2025.

The 2026 – 2028 City of Leduc Operating Budget shows revenue of $149,099,182 for 2026, $154,566,610 for 2027, and $161,969,896 for 2028. Meantime, the 2026 – 2035 Capital Plan shows a total 2026 budget of $40,148,100. The ten-year capital plan is $340,418,600 with $18,470,000 unfunded. Peskens says that unfunded projects are projects that have been flagged for future consideration but are not considered approved at this time.

Prior to the passage of the budget, Leduc Mayor Lars Hansen spoke on the work of administration and Council in keeping taxes low while continuing to provide the necessary services required for members of the community.

"We're strengthening the City's reserves to support long-term sustainability and future community amenities," said Mayor Hansen. "Maintaining reliable services and limiting tax impacts. This budget balances the needs of today, with the strategy of tomorrow."

One of the projects funded through the new capital budget is the purchase of three new fire trucks, which has come in at a total of $8,553,000. Water Distribution System Upgrades have come in at $1,800,000 for next year, while High School Servicing is budgeted at $3,800,000. In addition, funding to reconfigure the K9 off-leash dog park and make the Deer Valley Dog Park permanent, were also included in the new capital plans. 

The 2026 approved budget document will be posted on the City of Leduc website once it is finalized in early 2026.