Coaldale residents have until July 31 to share what matters most to them in the 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey, with results feeding directly into upcoming budget talks. The Town of Coaldale will present the feedback to council in early September, just ahead of 2026-2027 budget deliberations.
The survey asks for input on municipal services, financial planning and taxation, local governance, communication, and overall quality of life in the community. Residents can fill it out online through the Let’s Connect Coaldale platform, the town’s official public engagement hub.
“Your input will help shape the town’s priorities and ensure that future decisions reflect the needs and values of our residents,” the survey page states. Separately, council has already taken steps to manage tax pressures: for 2026, it approved a zero per cent net increase in the municipal portion of residential property taxes, lowering the mill rate from 6.9017 to 6.2612 to offset rising property values.
Last year’s survey drew 378 total responses — 376 from residents — and flagged road and sidewalk maintenance as the top concern, with 170 mentions. Bylaw enforcement followed with 114 mentions. The town’s new 2026-2029 strategic plan, adopted in April, organizes priorities around six pillars: transportation and mobility, asset management, community care and safety, community experience, governance and advocacy, and growth and investment.
Coaldale continues to grow quickly, with a population now over 9,600 and 1.78 per cent year-over-year growth as of 2025. Mayor Jack Van Rijn and council say the survey helps keep that growth on track while protecting residents from unnecessary tax hikes. To take the survey, visit the 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey page before the end of July.
