November 30, 2017
The City released its Fall 2017 Supplemental Capital Budget Adjustment today, reflecting a lower capital deficit and a more rigorous process of managing capital infrastructure projects.
The Capital Budget for 2018 is now $1.4 billion, completing the four-year capital budget cycle of $4.5 billion approved in 2014 for projects including new fire stations, upgrading libraries, a police division and transit garage, and other infrastructure spending.
Unlike the operating budget, which covers the day-to-day expenses, the capital budget is used for long-term investments with some paid off over time. Road repairs, machinery and maintenance of water treatment plants are all capital expenses.
“In many ways, the 2018 capital budget is a ‘business as usual’ scenario,” said Todd Burge, City of Edmonton’s Chief Financial Officer. “Most of what we are presenting to Council on December 6 is what you have already heard and seen in previous years of the four-year capital budget. But what does stand out for us is getting the capital budget deficit down by $40.2 million to $21.9 million.”
The lower deficit projection is due to additional capital funds of $47.4 million primarily from higher investment income and other measures taken to put the City in a strong, financially resilient position. As well, because of the introduction of a more rigorous project oversight process, a number of projects will now proceed during the 2019-2022 budget cycle instead of 2018.
On April 25, 2017 Council approved the Project Development and Delivery Model (PDDM) to ensure strong oversight of capital infrastructure projects at every step.
“The PDDM defines a rigorous process that must be followed for all capital projects and starts well before Council even approves a new infrastructure project,” said Adam Laughlin, Deputy City Manager of Integrated Infrastructure Services (IIS). The IIS department ensures all capital projects follow the PDDM process.
Budget input and deliberations
Edmontonians are encouraged to learn about the budget by visiting
YEGcityBudget.ca. The 2018 Supplemental Operating and Capital Budget Adjustments will be discussed at the December 6 Council meeting. Interested residents and organizations are invited to provide input to Council at the non-statutory public hearing taking place on December 6 at 9:30 a.m.. Residents can register to present to Council by calling the City Clerk at 780-496-8178 or by registering online at
edmonton.ca/meetings.
