Proposed 2026 budget deliberations underway in North Battleford

The City of North Battleford’s Finance Department presented its proposed 2026 budget Monday during a public Special Planning Committee Meeting.

Director Margarita Pena highlighted new initiatives in line with the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, including downtown safety measures, urban forestry programs, economic development and tourism incentives, an airport capital study, and government advocacy. Pena also emphasized that aging infrastructure remains a major challenge, requiring ongoing investments to maintain services and public safety.

“Approximately ninety percent of the proposed capital budget for next year is allocated toward [Council’s strategic pillar of] Infrastructure Renewal, Maintenance, and Investment as we face the challenge and pressure of replacing aging community infrastructure which comes at a significant cost to the City,” commented Director Pena.  

The proposed property tax increase presented by Administration is 3.183%, which breaks down as follows:

Administration recommends continuing the Recreation Capital Construction Fund (RCCF) levy, established in 2012 for InnovationPlex, with a proposed 10% increase in 2026 for residential, multi-residential, and condominium properties to support arena rehabilitation or new construction.

As noted in the table above, City Operations funds the cost of operating the City (excluding Capital costs), and includes mandated RCMP and City employee contract increases. Capital increase (under $100,000) saves for future capital purchases costing less than $100,000, while the Capital increase (large fleet) is for future replacement of fleet machinery valued at over $400,000 as outlined in the City’s Ten Year Capital Plan.            

The City budget includes a General Fund, Utilities Fund, and UPAR Fund for infrastructure. Utility rate increases are proposed at 3.46% (average of 5% for water, 2.9% for sewer, and 1.7% for garbage and recycling), which equals an average increase of $3.61 per month for a residential property. A UPAR Fund increase of 5% is suggested, with prioritization for paving/resurfacing projects in 2026. 

Public budget deliberations continue later this month. Meeting dates and a copy of the proposed 2026 City of North Battleford Budget can be found at cityofnb.ca.           

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For more information:
Candace Toma, Public & Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator
306-441-0713 | publicrelations@cityofnb.ca