Clearwater County Reeve Michelle Swanson says Alberta’s 2025 budget comes with some benefits for the West Country region.

Swanson says several key projects for this year are set to receive provincial dollars— including road construction, broadband expansion, and future development in Nordegg.

She says these projects and the county’s coffers benefit from predictable funding with the Local Government Fiscal Framework outlined by Alberta Municipalities (AB Munis).

Citing falling oil revenues, the tax cut and the tariff threat, the budget comes in at a $5.2 billion deficit. Swanson adds, that while the deficit is concerning, it was not entirely unexpected.

“We all like to hear positive numbers, but in a world where everyone is tightening their belts, I think that was to be expected,” says Swanson. “It’s better to give us the bad news now and let us work toward solutions versus trying to sugar coat.”

Swanson also noted the $50 million allocated this year for continued twinning work on Highway 11 which is another significant item for Clearwater County. “The highway is a dangerous route, particularly between Highway 22 south and Rocky Mountain House,” Swanson points out that the completed work will make the route safer for residents and visitors alike.

Swanson is also pleased with a small increase in public library funding, as the county helps maintain libraries in Caroline and Nordegg.

Along with the deficit, the budget will also include a promised new tax bracket. The new tax bracket will reduce personal income taxes for those earning less than $60,000 annually from eight per cent down from the previous 10 per cent.

For 2025, the county has budgeted $58,526,846 for operating expenses and a “big year” of capital spending at $85,634,479.

–

RELATED

• • Alberta runs budget deficit while cutting $1.2B in taxes 
  • $50M in Alberta Budget 2025 for Highway 11 twinning to Rocky Mountain House
  • Clearwater County releases concept sketches of high density development in Nordegg
  • Province eyes 2026 construction start for Hwy. 11 twinning near Rocky
  • Clearwater County broadband project receives significant grant funding
  • Clearwater County approves new 2025 budget to reflect Caroline amalgamation

–