The town of Rocky Mountain House is proposing a 3.56 per cent tax increase in its 2026 budget. The increase is expected to bring in an extra $359,000 in revenue.
For the average home in Rocky, that translates to an additional $99 a year, or $8.25 a month.
An assessment of similar-sized Alberta communities shows other towns are proposing an average tax increase of 4.6 per cent.
“We’re trying to establish that what we’re doing is reasonable and not out of step with other communities in Alberta,” says corporate services director Betty Quinlan.
The proposed 2026 budget calls for $29.8 million in operations spending and $5.5 million in capital spending.
Proposed revenues and expenses are nearly $1.5 million more than the 2025 budget.
Increased grant revenue is expected to see a 6.8 per cent increase ($261,477).
A portion of the increased budget concerns the town’s bid to host the 2028 Alberta Summer Games. If the town and county’s bid to host the games is approved, reserve transfers would see a 90 per cent increase over 2025 ($270,450) — although the town is anticipating a healthy return on investment.
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Downward pressure on revenues is expected to come from lower interest rates and, in turn, lower return on investment (ROI). However, that makes up a small portion of revenues at 3.37 per cent.
Extra revenue (+765,799) will also come from a slight increase in utility rates, says Quinlan. However, that will go toward the new wastewater treatment plant set to come online in 2026.
The average utility bill will go from $142 to $153 a month.
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Smaller revenue increase are expected from increased recreation rentals and sales (+$32,750), as well as a nominal increase in franchise fees (+$826)
Residents may also notice a three per cent increase in the provincial school tax requisition for an increase in revenue of $101,422.
Throughout 2025, the town of Rocky Mountain House has worked to have the provincial levy separated from provincial tax bills.
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The 2026 capital budget totals nearly $5.5 million.
Highlights include the completion of the new wastewater treatment plant, a town website redesign, and an engineering plan based on the Riverview Concept Plan.
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Other proposed capital expenditures include a new quonset in the public works yard, replacement of the water, sewer and road at 49 St and 40 Ave.
Recreation has $1 million budgeted for parks, playgrounds and culture. That includes $100,000 towards playground upgrades, and an outdoor washroom near the new bike park.
Roofing repairs at the Empringham Disposal arena are earmarked to maintain the structural integrity of the building.
Notably, the budget calls for a modified approach to the town’s ongoing wayfinding sign project, with stated goals of continuing to promote tourism while also bringing cost down.
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READ MORE:
- Rocky Mountain House council approves nearly $138K for first phase of wayfinding sign project
- Rocky Mountain House to spend another $20K on wayfinding sign project
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The town’s relatively new Community Events Committee has a proposed budget of $15,000 to support community events.
Newly-elected councillors Justin Sinclair and Kevin Stalker both indicated they see value in the program, adding that the committee approach is more effective than the previous grant system.
The operating and capital budgets await council’s final approval.
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