Lloydminster’s 2026 budget landed with a familiar response. A tax increase, pressure on services and concerns about long term planning. What received far less attention were the areas where the city quietly strengthened its financial position. From utilities to roads to social supports, several key parts of the city’s operations improved heading into the new year.
The Border Pulse reviewed administration’s budget presentations and council discussions to identify where the gains were made. While large needs remain, including the long term Aquatic Centre question and major unfunded roadwork, there are parts of the budget that move the city forward.
Utilities are running a major surplus
Environmental Services is projecting a utility surplus of $10.6 million before transfers to reserves. Those dollars are dedicated to replacing aging water and wastewater infrastructure. It prevents future rate spikes and avoids having to use property taxes to cover core system upgrades.
This is one of the strongest financial positions of any city department.
Critical infrastructure work is fully funded
Several significant water, wastewater and road projects are guaranteed in 2026. These include:
- Central Business District water and sewer replacement for $4.5 million
- Water and sewer replacement program for $3 million
- Clarifier structural repairs at the Water Treatment Plant
- A raw water line condition assessment
- A new pump installation
- Street Improvement Program for $2.7 million
- Trail and sidewalk improvements for $590,000
- A traffic light upgrade at 50 Avenue and 62 Street
- Commercial alley rehabilitation downtown
These projects address aging infrastructure that residents rarely see but rely on every day.
The fleet reserve is in strong shape
Lloydminster’s fleet reserve can now fund both replacement vehicles and net new additions without raising taxes. That includes equipment for snow clearing, roads, parks, facilities and airport operations.
Administration advised council that moving fire apparatus into fleet beginning in 2026 will make long term planning clearer and more consistent. It also prevents large financial spikes when high value equipment reaches end of life.
Social programs receive meaningful support
The city increased several programs that serve vulnerable residents. The 2026 budget includes:
- An increase for the cold weather strategy
- Full funding for the Housing Action Plan
- A increase for the Senior Taxi Program
- A operating increase for Border City Connects
- Additional funding from tobacco and cannabis business licence revenue
- A new social asset-mapping project
The asset mapping initiative will catalogue and connect health, social and community services. Many residents still report difficulty navigating supports on either side of the provincial boundary. The new project aims to simplify that process and fill gaps.
Recreation and culture see steady maintenance
The removal of a new Aquatic Centre from the funded 10 year plan raised concerns. Despite that, the city does continue to invest in existing recreation spaces.
Projects include maintenance work at the BioClean Aquatic Centre, upgrades in Bud Miller Park, and ongoing exterior work at the Cenovus Energy Hub. Smaller rehabilitation projects at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre, Servus Sports Centre and the museum system remain scheduled over the decade.
These are not major expansions, but they protect the assets residents use today.
Land development remains fully self funded
The land division continues to operate without tax support. Parkview 6-3 green space development is fully funded, and further phases will proceed only when lot sales justify them.
This reduces risk to the broader taxpayer base and keeps growth tied to demand.
The airport is positioned for future service
The airport receives several upgrades in 2026 to remain eligible and ready should a carrier return. Funded items include:
- Apron lighting
- A runway lighting computer
- A placeholder allocation for ground handling equipment
- A building envelope replacement design
The goal is to ensure the airport does not fall behind while the city seeks a commercial provider.
No major service cuts despite inflation
Even as costs rise, the city did not reduce core programming. Snow clearing, parks, waste collection, water, wastewater, road maintenance, airport operations and social programming continue at current levels.
Reserve strategies and self funded divisions helped avoid cuts.
A clearer and more direct budget message
Administration was open about financial limits and long term challenges.
“We cannot do this again next year,” staff told council while discussing short term decisions that eased this year’s budget but cannot continue.
The message was straightforward. Some pressures were absorbed this year, but long term solutions will be needed.
What taxpayers should take away
The 2026 budget does not resolve every issue. The Aquatic Centre remains a long term question. Several road and utility projects remain unfunded. RCMP costs continue to rise. Core infrastructure needs are significant.
But the budget also strengthens the foundation of the city through:
- A strong utility surplus
- Major water, wastewater and road projects fully funded
- A healthy fleet reserve
- Strengthened social programs
- Continued service levels
- No reliance on tax dollars for land development
- Strategic improvements at the airport
These are meaningful gains, even in a challenging year.
Read more: A new Aquatic Centre removed from budget
