December 12, 2023: Town Announces New Budget for 2024 - Focused on Infrastructure and Community Upgrades

News Release

For Immediate Release

December 12, 2023

Town Announces New Budget for 2024 - Focused on Infrastructure and Community Upgrades

Westlock, AB –The Town of Westlock adopted the budget for 2024, effective January 1, 2024. The budget is divided between operating and capital expenses. The operating budget covers day-to-day expenses, employee salaries, and resources and utilities needed for daily operation—the capital budget accounts for developing and maintaining infrastructure and facilities across the Town.

This budget reflects the commitment to sustainable growth, community development, and infrastructure renewal. In preparing these documents, there were many external expenses outside of administration's control, including rising utility costs, increased fuel prices, and the still unknown allocation from the provincial government's funding of the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF, formerly MSI capital).

The tax rate increase for 2024 is 3.9%, which means for our residential properties, the average yearly tax increase will be approximately $107.87 or $8.99 monthly.

Major projects this year include the completion of 108 Street and the start of the 107A Avenue project renewal, the completion of the Public Works Shop and Cold Storage building, and the additional parking at the Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre.

"We are excited about the East Glen Park (Old Water Tower) playground project. It will be designed as a barrier-free, accessible playground that will provide fun for families all year round." Simone Wiley, Chief Administrative Officer, "We will expand Mountie Park Campground by adding eight new sites and upgrading some to 50-amp service. We are excited to share that the Westlock Aquatic Centre's steam room will be converted to a dry sauna, and the Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre will receive an emergency lighting generator. Additionally, we will continue our efforts to make the Heritage Building more energy-efficient, focusing on HVAC and exterior updates. Our new initiatives for 2024 include adopting the AFRRCS Communication System for emergency responders, upgrading the fire hall, implementing online permitting software, and improvements at the bulk water station. Our commitment to fiscal responsibility and community collaboration is reflected in several grant-dependent projects, like the Whisselville Natural Accessibility Infrastructure and energy efficiency updates to the Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre. The success of these projects hinges on successful grant applications."

We are dedicated to improving our community today while planning for the future. For detailed information on the budget, visit https://www.westlock.ca/p/finance-and-budget.

Media contact:

Simone Wiley, Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Westlock
780-350-2100