According to the audited 2025 Financial Statement, the Town of Whitecourt finished the year with an operating deficit of $869,712.
Actual revenues for the year came in at $40.9 million, lower than the $50.3 million projected in the 2025 Budget. At the same time, expenses totalled $41.8 million before considering “other” revenues and expenses, lower than the $50.7 million budgeted.
Revenue shortages were primarily seen in fines, sales and user charges and “other” revenues. Decreased expenses were achieved in the administration, policing and bylaw, fire, disaster, and planning and development departments.
In 2025, the town received approximately $19.7 million in grant funding from the federal and provincial governments, primarily for the construction of the Canfor Culture and Events Center and fleet replacements, reducing the deficit. When considering these transfers, the town finished 2025 with an $18.9 million surplus.
The town says the deficit is not expected to impact future budgets, and it is in a healthy financial position. The auditor, Metrix Group, also found that the consolidated financial statements
presented fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Town of Whitecourt.
