Whitecourt’s mayor and town council have only had about 60 days in office to start getting work done, but they’re looking forward to hitting the ground running in 2026.
With a municipal election in October, new councils had a limited amount of time to engage with proposed 2026 budgets. As a result, Mayor Ray Hilts said council will be participating in a strategic planning session in January to better inform the rest of 2026 before the final budget is passed. An interim budget was passed on Dec. 15.
“That’s where we get to dig in and make our imprint on the community after finally getting elected,” he explained.
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Related:
- Official 2025 municipal election results: Whitecourt
- Whitecourt town council approves 2026 Interim Budget with 4.45 per cent property tax increase
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Additionally, “Council will look at the budgeting process to see what changes or different types of information we might want to see integrated into a new budgeting process, so that they’re well versed on the business of the town, and how we deliver service and spend taxpayer money,” Hilts said.
In the meantime, council members have taken up roles on internal and external boards and committees to help gain a better understanding of the town’s current workings as they develop their long-term vision for the community.
Hilts commented, “I’m sure that our council members are really engaged in those committees and have some great ideas, and those will come out in the next several months, that vision.”
Personally, Hilts said he will be focusing on transparency and communication as he settles into his first term as mayor. He explained, “I want our constituents to feel engaged and council available to our community, whatever that looks like.”
Otherwise, for 2026, residents can look forward to the opening of a new Culture and Events Centre and other opportunities for economic growth within the town. As a new operation, the facility will have an impact on the operating budget for 2026, but that impact should level out as operations become more efficient and revenue opportunities begin in the coming years.
“We’re looking forward to some economic growth in the community,” the Mayor commented. “We’re looking at continuing to be a community that is desired by people looking for jobs and opportunities, and will continue to focus on service delivery, what people want to see in the community, and affordability as well.”
