The City of Wrenford today announced its 2027 budget priorities, focusing on economic resilience and long-term growth for our local businesses. City Manager Robert Eng and the corporate services team presented a plan that balances rising operational costs with targeted investments in the downtown core, small business support, and workforce development.
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As the city looks toward the 2027–2030 term, staff have identified three main pillars for economic strength: revitalizing the downtown business improvement area, expanding grant programs for home-based and small enterprises, and improving infrastructure to support logistics and light manufacturing. The draft budget also includes a freeze on certain licensing fees for new businesses to encourage entrepreneurship in Wrenford.
"We know that strong local businesses are the backbone of our community," says City Manager Robert Eng. "This budget puts resources where they matter most—helping our shop owners, entrepreneurs, and employers thrive while keeping taxes manageable for residents."
Key measures in the 2027 budget include:
- A $500,000 increase to the Downtown business improvement grants program, allowing more projects for outdoor dining, street furniture, and community events.
- Expanded eligibility for the Facade improvement assistance program, covering up to 60 per cent of exterior repair costs for heritage and older commercial buildings.
- New funding for the New Business Relocation Grant, supporting businesses moving to Wrenford from outside the region.
- Investments in digital infrastructure and high-speed broadband to support remote work and tech startups across the Benchlands and Ambrel Lake neighbourhoods.
- Enhanced support for the Wrenford Police Service and By-law Enforcement to ensure safe, well-maintained commercial corridors.
Residents and business owners can review the full draft budget on the Budget page. Public consultation sessions will be held at Wrenford City Hall on November 4 and November 11, starting at 6:30 p.m. You can also submit written feedback through the online survey or by emailing Isabel Moreno, Economic Development Manager, at [email protected].
The final budget will be reviewed by Council in December and adopted ahead of the January 1, 2027 start date. For more information on how the city supports local enterprise, visit the Business section or read the Start a business guide.