The County of Grande Prairie Council approved its 2026 final budget on April 24, 2026, which includes a 2.9 per cent municipal tax rate increase. For the owner of an average residential property valued at $510,000, this change results in an additional cost of $5.29 per month, or $63.48 over the course of the year.
The total budget for the year is $208.5 million. This figure is made up of $129.1 million for general operations, $38.3 million for capital investments, and $41.1 million carried over from 2025 projects. A major focus of the capital budget is transportation, with $54.4 million—or 68.5 per cent of the total capital spending—allocated to road and bridge projects. This includes $51.7 million specifically dedicated to road improvements.
The budget also accounts for mandatory expenses and regional commitments. The Alberta Government has increased education property tax requisitions for the County by $5.5 million, a 19 per cent increase for 2026. Additionally, the County will provide $4.3 million in mandated transfers to cover RCMP and other policing costs.
To support the region, the budget includes $8.5 million in cost-sharing agreements with the City of Grande Prairie and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley. A further $8.9 million is set aside for community grants, which help fund local health, recreation, libraries, and transportation for seniors and residents with special needs.
This is the first budget approved under the leadership of Reeve Amanda McDonald, who was elected in October 2025. She succeeded former Reeve Bob Marshall, who retired after serving for 12 years.
