The three-year budget and workplan provide more transparency to the County’s priorities, future projects and the resources needed to do the work.
Sturgeon County, AB – In keeping with Sturgeon County’s effort to provide greater transparency in its operations, the County has released its first multi-year Capital Budget, which outlines over 130 Capital projects in five key community building categories. The new budgeting approach enhances the County’s financial management policies, project prioritization and procurement processes. This approach is an important part of the delivery of efficient and effective capital investments and services that will enhance the quality of life for County residents.
This three-year draft Capital Budget supports longer-range community planning by outlining the resources needed and aligning them with the priorities identified in Council’s 2022 – 2025 Strategic Plan.
“We want to make informed and transparent decisions about what we can accomplish with the resources we have available,” said Mayor Hnatiw.
“This multi-year budget process focuses our decisions on establishing priorities for service levels and infrastructure investments while ensuring the County operates within its means.”
Previously, County Council would consider and approve a yearly Capital and Operating budget. However, Council recognized the need to look ahead to manage some of the pressures the County is experiencing from inflation, the Province downloading costs to municipalities, and declining grant programs from the Federal and Provincial Governments.
“This multi-year budget process helps us manage our workloads and finances,” said Hnatiw.
“This budget plan provides Council with a long-term view of the upcoming projects and the resources needed. Councill will review it annually to be sure we are maximizing our investments and allocating resources to align with Council’s Strategic Plan.”
In the proposed 2023-2025 workplan, there is more than $108 million to be invested within five key community building categories:
✳️ Transportation Assets: Roads, bridges, and drainage
✳️ Externally and Self-funded Assets and Mandated Programs: Water and wastewater
✳️ Community Assets: Parks, playgrounds, and trails
✳️ Internal Assets: Municipal buildings, vehicles, and equipment
✳️ Public Safety: Fire trucks and equipment, as well as Bylaw service equipment
Of the proposed Capital budget, $67.9 million has been designated for transportation assets. Along with the annual commitments to the drainage, pavement preservation and intersection improvement programs, there are significant projects planned, such as road rehabilitation work along Range Road 251 (including the internal roads at Cardiff Park), Lamoureux Drive, and Township Road 564 to Goose Hummock Golf Course. There is paving planned in the Woodridge Subdivision and road reconstruction along Township Road 554, and Boysdale Road/Riverside Park to the Sturgeon River. A comprehensive list of recommended 2023-2025 Capital projects can be found on our website.
Next, Council will be asked to deliberate and approve the proposed Operating budget, which will determine any changes in levies. The Budget presentation to Council is on October 29 and 30, 2022.
To follow along with our Budget process, visit SturgeonCounty.ca/Budget.
Media inquiries:
Rhonda Linklater
Senior Communications and Engagement Officer
587-674-1533
Email
