$570 million budget for 2022 approved by RMWB council

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo logo

FORT MCMURRAY – Council for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has approved a $570 million budget for 2022.

$442 million of that will go towards city operations while $128 million will be spent on capital projects.

According to the RMWB, funding from reserves, grants and 2022 revenues will bring the capital budget up to $156 million.

The following are highlights from the capital budget:

• Flood mitigation design and construction: $125 million total budget / $17 million in 2022
• Rural Water and Sewer Service: $180 million for construction and $49 million for service connections total budget. / $2 million for service connections in 2022
• Fort McKay Community Centre: $12.6 million total budget / $3 million in 2022
• Fort Chipewyan Airport runway rehabilitation: $17.7 million total budget / $16 million in 2022
• Waterfront Park: $30 million total budget / $15 million in 2022

Here are some highlights from the operating budget:

• $43 million in direct community support for local non-profit organizations, including municipal facility operators. (Decisions on two grant applications have been deferred to the March 8 Council meeting)
• $43 million for fire and ambulance services
• $21 million for parks and outdoor recreation spaces
• $64 million for environmental services, includes water, wastewater and landfill services
• $47 million for police support and bylaw services
• $20 million for road maintenance

In a press release, Mayor Sandy Bowman said the 2022 Budget is an important one for the region.

“It will play a positive role in supporting communities and the local economy and businesses in a way that is fiscally responsible and sustainable,” stated Mayor Bowman.

“As a Council, we have made commitments to what matters to those that live here, including investments in community resilience, rural and urban infrastructure development, downtown revitalization and many other programs, services, and projects we need to build an even stronger home. Budget 2022 also highlights the need for strengthened relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities, social profit organizations, local business, industry and all residents at a time when we need to focus on unity and togetherness. On behalf of my Council colleagues, I thank CAO Jamie Doyle and municipal administration and all community organizations and residents that contributed to the 2022 Budget.”

For more information on the budget, visit rmwb.ca/budget.