City Council approved the 2025 Operating and Capital Budget on Monday, June 23. The approved plan keeps your core services running while protecting your wallet and rebuilding the city’s financial reserves for future projects.
A steady path forward
“This year’s budget process was one of the most detailed and open we have ever run,” said Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price. “Council listened carefully to the hundreds of residents who shared their concerns about the cost of living. We made tough choices to keep property taxes affordable, but we still invested in the safety, infrastructure, and programs that make Wrenford a great place to live.”
What the budget covers
The final municipal tax increase is set at 4.1 per cent. For an average single-family home, this adds about $34.50 to your monthly property tax bill. The approved Operating Budget totals $382.5 million, and the Capital Budget is $78.2 million. These funds cover the day-to-day running of the city and the long-term repairs and upgrades to your most critical assets.
Key investments in the 2025 budget include:
- $46.0 million for the Wrenford Police Service and public safety programs
- $33.0 million for Fire Rescue and Paramedic Services
- $48.0 million for Roads and Winter Maintenance, including resurfacing and drainage repairs
- $39.0 million for Water and Wastewater infrastructure upgrades
- $24.0 million for Parks, Trails, and Recreation facilities
- $15.0 million added to the city’s financial reserves to handle unexpected costs and future growth
Planning for tomorrow
Council also approved a 10-year Capital Plan that guides how the city will spend money on bridges, trails, and community buildings through 2034. The plan relies on a mix of property taxes, developer contributions, provincial grants, and city reserves to keep costs stable.
“We are moving away from sudden spikes in costs and toward steady, predictable planning,” said City Manager Robert Eng. “This budget ensures we can keep our roads safe, our water clean, and our community programs strong, while giving families the relief they asked for.”
You will see your official 2025 property tax bill in the spring. If you need help with payments, you can set up pre-authorized monthly instalments or choose a quarterly payment plan through Service Wrenford. The full budget documents, including detailed spending reports, are available online.