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The FRSC has entered budget season with the launch of the 45-day review period for the draft 2026 Budget. During this period, the FRSC will present the budget to member councils to gather feedback, with the intention of rendering a decision during the scheduled October 23 Board meeting. This marks the first time the annual work plan and the recently updated Fundy Regional Strategy have directly informed budget development, ensuring stronger alignment between priorities and resources.
Key Facts from the 2026 Draft Budget
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Net FRSC membership fees decrease by $78,824.
- $4.15M in external funding expected, up $1.4M from 2025.
- $2.86M of Regional Support Services Fund (RSSF) accessed, with $436K available (for one-time use).
- Solid waste capital budget decreases by $522,900, and tipping fees increase with inflation to sustain operations at Crane Mountain.
- The five regional facilities’ operating investment decreases by $135,368 compared to 2025.
The 2026 Budget is designed to fund initiatives that deliver visible outcomes for communities. Some examples include:
- Leveraging provincial and federal partnerships for a major reinvestment in the Canada Games Aquatic Centre in preparation for the 2029 Canada Games.
- Implementation of the Community Development Needs Assessment and Action Plan.
- A Regional Transportation Pilot Program.
- Enhancements to public safety interoperability.
Envision Saint John Agreement Update
In 2026, the FRSC is moving from defined contributions under its Master Service Agreement with Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency to a cost-sharing formula as legislated by the Regional Service Delivery Act. This formula calculates contributions for regional economic development and tourism promotion based on the previous year’s tax base, which has resulted in changes to allocations for communities.
More details are available on page 55 of the meeting's agenda kit.
Regional Facilities Budget
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Operating budget was approved at $2,687,667, reflecting careful adjustments based on prior year progress in engagement, data collection, and financial planning.
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Discussions will continue on the proposed 2026 capital budget of $1,896,108, with emphasis on leveraging external funding and minimizing direct costs to members. The proposed capital budget integrates the Fundy Region’s contribution of 26.7% for the Aquatic Centre Enhancement Project (requiring 73.3% from federal and provincial governments).
For full details on the regional facilities budget, please visit pages 30 and 54 of the meeting's agenda kit.
Service-Based Budgeting
To show our commitment to transparency, we have prepared one-page service profiles outlining the service and projects aligned with the 2026 draft budget figures. To access them, click here.
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