The Community Charter requires local governments to approve a five-year Financial Plan bylaw each year before they adopt the annual property tax bylaw by May 15. We also often refer to the Financial Plan as the Budget.
Budget Process
July to October – Departmental Financial Plans
Each department creates budgets based on anticipated activities and Strategic Plan priorities. They also account for expected expenses and estimated revenues.
October to December – Draft Financial Plan Preparation
Finance compiles all budgets to make a draft financial plan. We compare the draft to the Strategic Plan to ensure consistency.
September to February – Public Budget Meetings
There are several public budget meetings that allow for public input and review.
February to May – Financial Plan and Bylaws Adopted
We revise the plan based on public input and Council priorities until we reach a final version. That final version allows us to develop the Financial Plan Bylaw. In the Bylaw, we set the property tax revenue we need. This, in turn, forms the basis for your tax rates. Council may amend the financial plan by bylaw at any time during the five-year period.
2026 - 2030 Financial Plan Meeting Schedule
- January 26 - Draft 2026 Operating Budget 2026 Presentation
- January 26 - Draft 2026 Capital Budget 2026 Presentation
- February - Financial Plan Public Meeting
- February - Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw
- March/April - Adoption of the Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw
- April - Tax Rates Bylaw
- April/May - Adoption of the Tax Rates Bylaw
2026 - 2030 Financial Plan Information and Financial Plan Bylaw
- Coming soon