What we manage and how we spend
You can see exactly how we manage your taxes and fund city services. The numbers below show where money comes from, where it goes, and how we keep our finances steady for the long term.
Budget at a glance (2026)
- Operating budget: $385.2 million
- Capital budget: $142.8 million
- Property tax share of operating budget: 58 per cent
- Water and wastewater share: 22 per cent
- Transit and waste management share: 14 per cent
- Other revenues (fees, grants, investment income): 6 per cent
Financial health indicators
We track several measures to make sure Wrenford stays on solid ground and can handle unexpected costs or growth.
- Debt servicing stays below 10 per cent of operating costs
- Maximum debt term is 20 years, matched to the lifespan of the asset being built
- Major Renewal Reserve and Park Renewal Reserve are fully funded for planned equipment and playground replacements
- Financial Health Scorecard is reviewed quarterly by Council
- 94 per cent of residents pay their property tax and water bills on time
How your property tax is calculated
Your property tax bill is not just a flat rate. It is calculated by applying the municipal mill rate to your assessed property value, adjusted by provincial percentages and Council tax policies. The mill rate is set to be revenue neutral, meaning the total amount collected does not change just because property values go up or down. If your property value changes more than the city average, your individual bill may go up or down, but the total tax pool for services stays steady.
Every $1.5 million added to the operating budget equals roughly a one per cent increase in the overall property tax levy. Council reviews tax policies each year to balance affordability with the cost of delivering roads, parks, fire and paramedic services, and waste collection.
Key financial reports and data
Wrenford publishes detailed financial documents so you can see exactly how budgets are planned and spent.
- 2026 Annual Budget — The approved operating and capital budgets for the year.
- 2027–2037 Long Term Financial Plan — The next decade-long strategy, presenting to Council in May 2027.
- Corporate Asset Management Plan — City-wide strategy for maintaining roads, bridges, pipes, and facilities.
- Operating Variance Reports — Monthly updates showing actual revenue and spending compared to the budget.
- Infrastructure Status Report — Annual condition and performance data for municipal assets.
- Annual Financial Transparency Schedule — Audited statements and independent audit results published each spring.
Need help understanding a number?
Budget Literacy Workshops are held monthly at City Hall to walk through budget tables, tax levies, and reserve funds. You can also email [email protected] or call 519-555-0100 for a plain-language explanation of any line item.