At the Regular Council Meeting on December 16, 2025, the Town of Drumheller Council approved the 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets. With no draws on municipal reserves, the 2026 Operating Budget totals $32.42 million and funds municipal services such as public safety, recreation, roads, parks, and water and wastewater operations.
The approved 2026 Capital Budget totals $8 million. This budget addresses 51 projects, and covers project planning, construction and replacement of assets. The capital program is funded by grants (43.3%), municipal reserves (50.3%) and other forms of government and community partnerships (6.3%).
A 2.93% municipal tax levy is projected at a zero-growth property assessment. Assessments are issued to residents in early February each year. For a house assessed at Drumheller’s median value of $281,000, this represents an annual tax bill increase of $69 (from $2,372 to $2,441) or $5.79 per month on Town taxes. Final tax rates will be set in Spring 2026 after property assessments are confirmed. When compared to municipalities of similar populations, Drumheller falls well below the 4.28% average increase.
There will also be some service adjustments in order to save money. The indoor pool at the Drumheller Aquaplex will close during the summer season, with the operation of the outdoor pool.
The Town has also shared a number of Key Capital Projects for 2026:
- Pedestrian walkway improvements under the Gordon Taylor Bridge
- Fleet upgrades: new snow and ice control equipment, turf and berm maintenance equipment
- Pre-design work for two culvert replacements (2027)
- Additional accessible sidewalk letdowns, repairs to Railway Avenue West and Bankview Drive
- Water System upgrades: hydrant and valve replacements
- Water Treatment assessments, including a master plan and critical pipe assessment
- Wastewater System upgrades: North Drumheller Wastewater Pump Station
- Wastewater Treatment Maintenance: lagoon cleaning and process repairs
The Town has also made fee amendments for utilities provided to residents and businesses.
Amendments to the solid waste and recycling fees were incorporated in the Utility Rate Bylaw starting in 2026. Users can expect a rate increase of 5.78%, or $0.13 for recycling and $0.54 for solid waste.
Based on the results of budget deliberations, water revenues will need to increase $358,410 or 8.2% and wastewater revenues will need to increase $277,080 or 10.3%. These will require increases to both the flat rate and consumption rates for both water and wastewater rates. Details are outlined in the 2026 Utility Rate Bylaw.
-Submitted by the Town of Drumheller-
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