Lac La Biche County Council has passed the first operational budget of its 2025-2029 term, with a 𝘻𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘹𝘦𝘴 and a raft of new initiatives to support the Lac La Biche County Advantage.

Operating expenses for 2026 are set at $78,773,521. One exciting initiative that rural residents can look forward to is a Rural Water Delivery Subsidy Program, which will take shape over the next few months. Council has also approved a program for making waste and recycling disposal bins available in select rural locations. These programs align with Council’s goal of equitably serving both urban and rural residents.

The capital budget for 2026 has not been finalized at this time. Several multi-year capital projects have been completed, like McArthur Park Redevelopment and Lac La Biche Main Street Revitalization, or will be completed next year, like the new aquatics facility at the Bold Centre. This creates an opportunity for Council and Administration to “start fresh” with a new slate of projects to continue the momentum of the last several years.

“The first budget of any new Council is an indication of things to come, and our 2026 budget reflects our ambitious goals and our belief in efficient operations,” says Mayor Paul Reutov. “This budget reaffirms our commitment to keeping life affordable while continuing to grow our community and position us for future success. I’m especially proud of the new initiatives that will reduce the service gap between urban and rural residents, which is just another facet of the Lac La Biche County Advantage.”

The full 2026 budget for Lac La Biche County will be made available on the County’s website, following the approval of the capital budget.