December 14, 2018
Edmonton City Council has finalized the 2019-2022 Capital, Operating and Utilities Budgets that balance the optimism of Edmontonians in the future of their city and the realism of a challenging economy, bringing in an expected property tax increase of 2.6 per cent for each of the next four years.
“Council showed a commitment to economic resilience and keeping taxes reasonable while we continue to deliver the core services Edmontonians value,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “But we’ll also continue to look for cost savings and efficiencies to reduce this rate in the spring before final rates are set.”
Edmontonians were active in the budget process, with an unprecedented number of people speaking at the non-statutory budget hearing in November and many others sharing their views through surveys, communication with Councillors and ongoing public engagement.
Capital Budget
The Capital Budget is how Edmonton’s future is built. It reflects the hopes, goals and visions of residents. Council’s 2019-2022 Capital Budget respects the value of taxpayer dollars while protecting Edmonton’s investment in infrastructure.
The Capital Budget also sets the stage for Edmonton’s growth by supporting transformative work and providing the crucial amenities to attract dynamic, hard-working and highly skilled people to the city.
The Capital Budget dedicates $4.8 billion to infrastructure investment. This includes:
- $2 billion in the renewal of existing infrastructure
- $1.8 billion previously committed to transformational projects like LRT expansion and Yellowhead Trail
- approximately $1 billion for new projects
Taking into consideration the needs of Edmontonians and the city’s expected growth, Council made commitments to advancing key projects to improve the lives of residents, including the Terwillegar Drive Expressway upgrades and construction of the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre.
Operating Budget
The City of Edmonton’s 2019-2022 Operating Budget weaves together consideration for hard-working business owners, resources and facilities for children and families, dependable police and fire rescue service and compassionate support for those who need it.
The Operating Budget results in a 2.6 per cent general property tax increase in each of 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. This tax rate is not final until the Government of Alberta sets the Provincial Education Tax in spring 2019.
For an Edmonton home valued at $397,000, the 2019 budget will provide services for just under seven dollars per day, or $2,526 per year, an increase of $65 over 2018.
City Council worked hard to hold the line on existing programs and services and keep increases to the base budget below inflation. Council increased investment in areas like:
- Valley Line LRT
- Alley Renewal Program
- Edmonton Police Service
- Transit Safety and Security
Utilities Budget
Council approved the 2019-2022 Utilities Budget for the City’s two utilities - Waste Services and Blatchford Renewable Energy.
For Waste Services, residential customers will see rate increases of 2.5 per cent annually over the next four years. The proposed rate increase of 2.5 per cent for residential customers will result in a monthly increase of $1.15 for single unit residential customers and $0.75 for multi-unit customers. The resulting monthly single and multi-unit residential rates are proposed as $47.08 and $30.60, respectively.
“Throughout this process, we were creative about working through our economic challenges, committed to restraint and seeking efficiencies within the City’s workforce,” said Mayor Iveson. “As a result, I’m confident we put Edmonton in a position to thrive for decades to come.”
