The County of Grande Prairie’s 2019 budget recognizes the role that high caliber roads offer in enhancing the quality of life for County residents while helping to support the Alberta economy. As such, Council has committed to investing considerable funding to County road and infrastructure projects. Of the County’s 135.7 million dollar budget, 81.1 million dollars has been directed to general operations and 54.6 million dollars towards capital projects.

“This budget focuses on investing in priority road and infrastructure projects as well as maintaining services, programs and partnerships with affordable tax levels,” explained Reeve Leanne Beaupre. “Given the uncertainty of provincial grants that provide a stable revenue stream, Council and staff have worked hard to prepare a budget that will responsibly meet the needs of all County residents and businesses.”

The proposed tax increase for an average residential property is 2 per cent. That is a $35 per year increase on a residential property valued at $435,000. Council directed Administration to keep budgets within a 2.5 percent increase in 2020 and 2 percent increase in 2021.

A few of the services, programs and projects Council approved for 2019 include:

  • Over half of the capital budget is going towards road and bridge projects
  • $4.5 million in recreation, community and culture grants to various organizations
  • $1.2 million to City of Grande Prairie for tax sharing agreement to recognize County residents using City recreational facilities.
  • Area Structure Plans for Pipestone area and Northeast Clairmont
  • New playschool at Harry Balfour School and an increase in programming at Whispering Ridge Playschool due to demand.

This budget is the organization’s first three-year plan to meet the requirements of the Municipal Government Act. The final budget for 2019 will be released in spring once a complete review of the current market conditions at that time is done, the provincial budget is known, and linear assessment values are received from the province. Tax rates will be finalized at that time.

Information provided by the County of Grande Prairie.