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.
2025 - 2029 Financial Plan Meeting Schedule
- January - Draft Budget 2024 Presentation (Capital and Operating)
- February - Financial Plan Public Meeting
- February / March - Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw
- March / April - Adoption of the Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw
- April / May TBA - Tax Rate Bylaw
2025 - 202 Financial Plan Information and Financial Plan Bylaw
- 2025 Public Drop-in Information Panel
- 2025 Draft Budget at a Glance
- 2025 - 2029 Draft Financial Plan Bylaw