Projects, including some to improve accessibility and repair failing structures, are in the Bear Pit for this year’s proposed capital budget.
The latter half of the draft budget presentations in mid-February was dedicated to the capital budget for the Northern Rockies regional municipality. This section includes capital projects, which are expected to cost around $23.9 million for 2026 – almost $2 million more than the year prior.
Despite this increase in budget, the proposed increases to the tax rate is not impacted, as this work tends to withdraw from the municipality’s savings.
“Transfers from reserves are mainly replated to capital projects,” explained staff in their budget report.
Every department except sewer, solid waste and cemetery services requested capital funding for new projects this year. Many also requested reserve funds.
Among the requests was a pickup truck replacement for Northern Rockies Fire Rescue. Protective services requested $160,000 from reserves to purchase a Ford F-350 truck to haul gear and equipment.
“(The current truck) is starting to give us some issues, breakdowns, through the winter,” said James Childs, the local fire chief. It was purchased in 2019.
In public works, accessibility is on the agenda — particularly downtown along 50 Avenue. A shortage of accessible parking was identified in 2023 and council established temporary spaces the following spring. Now, with $44,000 from the municipality’s surplus, permanent spaces are planned.
“This is a multi-year project with funds identified for the ongoing installation of concrete letdowns and accessible parking along 50 (Avenue) North and South,” wrote staff in a report. This work is being done alongside other sidewalk and paving upgrades for a “cost-effective execution.”
The upgrade was preapproved in 2023.
Recreation services expects to complete their work at Andy Bailey Regional Campground this year. The $216,555 of work is grant-funded.
“This project will be wrapped up as early as possible in 2026 to enable as much public use as possible,” staffers wrote.
The department also presented a project to assess replacing the golf clubhouse at the Poplar Hills Golf and Country Club as the 2028 deadline for its structural integrity approaches. They also requested approval for new storage at the golf course.
“Multiple sheds at the course are at or past their end of life and have become unsafe … The intention is not simply to remove and replace the various existing structures, but rather to gather efficiencies in the storage facilities while also maintaining the aesthetics,” according to staff’s report.
No date was set for a public meeting, but one must take place before the 2026 draft budget is formally accepted. Councillors told staff to prioritize online and in-person engagement, when the day comes.
