Blackfalds town council approves amended 2026 capital budget and five-year capital plan

As a result, the capital plan was approved at $2,827,300 after the removal of the Highway 2A Landscaping Project.

Meanwhile, the five-year capital plan was approved at $34,538,449 including $2,827,300 in 2026, $18,402,649 in 2027, $2,427,500 in 2028, $4,222,000 in 2029, and $6,659,000 in 2030.

The motion to remove the Highway 2A Landscaping Project was brought forward by councilor Aaron Hoyte, who said the money could be put to better use.

“Especially if we’re working on trying to figure out what to do with downtown revitalization and all of that. I think we could at least look at other options,” he said.

Councillors Sands and Hanson agreed.

“I’d like to see us use the grant in a better location in town,” Hanson said. “I drive by that daily. I just looked the other day, and we can see all of the businesses on the north side of Panorama/Womacks intersection, and then you stand and look at the south side, they’re very hidden now by that landscaping that did look nice at one time, but is now at a height that blocks some of our businesses.”

The project in question was for landscape improvements in the area to the south along Highway 2A. The budget for the project would have been $15,400 for tree supply and installation, as well as $9,000 for watering in 2026 and 2027.

There was also a motion to remove the diamond No. 5 project ($290,000), which will bring an additional baseball diamond to the community, and the South Street & 2A Intersection project ($500,000), which is in the planning phase and would include upgrades to South Street, but both were defeated by a vote of 4-3. Councillors Dennis, Sands and Hanson were the only three in favour.

For a full breakdown of the 2026 Capital Budget and Five-year Capital Plan, click here and go to page 89.

by rdnewsNOW staff

Blackfalds town council approves amended 2026 capital budget and five-year capital plan

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