City of Leduc opens 2027 budget deliberations

LEDUC -- The City of Leduc has officially opened its 2027 budget deliberations.

The opening night of deliberations was held on Monday, Nov. 2, and featured preliminary outlines of what is expected to be included in the city's 2027 operating and capital budgets. City Manager Derek Prohar issued an introductory presentation on what council can expect over the next several weeks, and Mayor Lars Hansen provided his opening remarks.

"Tonight marks the beginning of council's public deliberations on the proposed 2027 budget," said Hansen. "The budget is one of the most important decisions that council makes each year. Through this process, we will review proposed operating and capital budgets, ask questions, discuss priorities, and make decisions that help shape services, infrastructure, and investments for the coming year and beyond."

Several notable capital projects are expected to be included in the City of Leduc's 2027 budget. This includes $7.5 million for the widening of Grant MacEwan Boulevard in 2030 and $5.5 million for the 74th Street Roundabout in 2027-2028. $2 million is expected to be included for next year's new skateboard park, while the city is also exploring a $2.7 million replacement of two city transit buses. The largest possible allocation would see $96.1 million for the West Campus Rec Centre.

"Municipal budgeting is ultimately about making choices. Resources are finite, but the needs of a growing community are not," said Hansen. "Our role as council is to carefully consider the information before us, weigh the implications of our decisions, and ensure we are making the responsible choices on behalf of residents and businesses. These decisions are not only about the year ahead, they are also about maintaining the infrastructure and services that residents rely on today, while helping to position Leduc for long-term success."

The opening budget meeting also included a presentation from Leduc's Chief Financial Officer Gene Peskens, who laid out a financial overview for the upcoming deliberations. According to his report, Leduc is anticipating a property tax increase of 4.6 per cent for next year, followed by an estimated 7.1 per cent increase for 2028, and a 6 per cent increase for 2029. While the city has seen record population growth in 2026, Peskens expects that growth to slow over the next two to three years. 

The next budget meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 9, and will include presentations from corporate services and community and protective services. Q3 Financial Results will be included in the following meeting on Nov. 16.