Raymond Town Council has released its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, a five-year roadmap meant to guide responsible growth while enhancing the small-town character that makes the community unique. The plan was finalized in May 2026 and comes as Raymond faces one of the fastest growth rates in Alberta.
According to the Alberta Regional Dashboard, Raymond’s population grew by 14.18 percent over five years, reaching about 4,600 residents in 2025. That pace has put pressure on roads, utilities, and services, and council says the new plan will help balance expansion with quality of life.
The strategic plan focuses on practical steps to keep Raymond thriving. It prioritizes investment in roads, utilities, and community spaces, along with support for families, housing options, and local businesses. The plan also aims to expand recreation, tourism, and emergency services, while enhancing beautification, urban forestry, and water management. Strengthening communication and public input opportunities is another key piece.
The plan arrives roughly six months after council rejected the proposed Knights Crossing development in December 2025. At that time, councillors raised concerns about the project’s alignment with the Municipal Development Plan and the need for more community input. Councillor Matt Evans also pointed to financial pressures, noting the town needs to increase residential property tax or property tax collected by about $200,000 each year just to maintain current service levels.
Mayor Bryce Coppieters, re-elected in October 2025 alongside several new councillors, leads a council that includes Councillors Matt Evans, Wayne Johnson, Brian Eakett, Kate Kindt, Neil Sieben, and Pamela Stewart. The new plan is available on the Town of Raymond website.
