Wetaskiwin City Council has approved a new strategic plan that will shape how the city grows and serves its residents over the next four years.
On March 26, 2026, the council adopted the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, setting out priorities across four key areas: economic prosperity, infrastructure and environmental sustainability, social and cultural life, and inspiring governance. The plan will guide how the city strengthens services, supports community well-being, and plans responsibly for the future.
The strategic plan builds on the city’s existing 50-Year Community Vision, which identified economy, safety, community, and environment as foundational goals. The new four-year roadmap translates those long-term goals into more immediate priorities for the current council term.
Wetaskiwin is a growing city. The 2025 municipal census counted 13,409 residents, up 5.9 percent from the 2014 count of 12,621 residents. Council approved a 2026 operating budget of $49.8 million in December 2025, which included a 3.87 percent property tax increase to help fund infrastructure and services.
City council consists of Mayor Joe Branco along with Councillors Dean Billingsley, Karen Aberle, Wayne Neilson, Mark Elder, Wendy Hoyle, and Laura White. According to the City of Wetaskiwin website, these seven elected officials will work to implement the priorities outlined in the strategic plan throughout their term.
The plan comes at a time when the city is working to address ongoing challenges, including concerns about community safety that residents identified as a top priority in the 50-Year Community Vision.
