The Town of Sylvan Lake approved the 2025 draft budget on Dec. 9.
The draft budget contains a 3.38 per cent property tax increase for residential and non-residential properties.
"We know any tax increase is a challenge, and we’ve worked hard to keep it as low as possible while still meeting the needs of our community. The 3.38 percent increase is about making smart investments in the things that matter most," Mayor Megan Hanson said.
This tax increase will help by:
- Paying for the expansion and upgrades to the Town's water systems so there is a reliable supply now and in the future
- Paying for the maintenance and improvements of important infrastructure like roads, parks, and water services.
- Paying for the coverage of rising costs while continuing to provide the high level of service residents expect and deserve.
Overall, the draft budget is all about taking care of Sylvan Lake now and setting up the community for success in the future.
"In the end, this is about building a strong and resilient community where families, businesses, and visitors can thrive. It’s not just about today—it’s about setting Sylvan Lake up for success in the years to come," Hanson said.
A big focus for Sylvan Lake is water infrastructure.
"With our community growing and our infrastructure aging, we need to stay ahead of things like water main breaks and water shortages. We saw the impact of last summer’s water restrictions, along with other communities such as Calgary with a similar age of infrastructure that is failing, and we don’t want to be caught off guard," Hanson said.
"These planned upgrades and maintenance will help us reduce costs by avoiding expensive water main breaks while meeting the water needs of Lakers for years to come."
Essential services are also a big priority in the budget, she added.
"The budget prioritizes core services like expanding water supply, updating critical infrastructure, and important maintenance work. This helps maintain the quality of life for Sylvan Lake residents, and the overall functionality of our community."
Sylvan Lake is also working very hard to secure grant funding.
"We’ve applied for over $16 million in provincial grants to help fund important projects. If we’re successful, it will ease the pressure on local taxes. If not, we’ve already planned for these projects in the budget to make sure they still happen," Hanson said.
A 2025 draft budget open house will be held in the evening on Feb. 25 to discuss the budget and give people the opportunity to ask questions to town staff, Mayor, and council.
The meeting will be at the NexSource Centre with an official time still to be determined.
If unable to attend the open house community members can also send questions to, sylvanlake.ca/budgetquestions.
"We want to hear from you. This budget is about Sylvan Lakers, and we take into account the feedback we receive throughout the year. You can share your priorities with us through our contact form, monthly Chatting with Council events or our open house events. Your feedback matters, and we’re listening," Hanson said.
Individuals interested in learning more about the budget can find more information on the Engage Sylvan Lake website, engage.sylvanlake.ca/2025-budget.
People can also get a printed copy of the budget brochure at the NexSource Centre, Municipal Government Building, or the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library.
