Town of Stettler Council Approves 2026 Capital Budget

The Town of Stettler council has approved a $12,009,500 capital budget for 2026.

Council gave unanimous approval to the spending plan at its Feb. 17 meeting, following deliberations with department heads the previous week. 

The capital program outlines projects for the coming year & provides a five year outlook on anticipated maintenance needs across municipal infrastructure.

Wastewater System Upgrades Make Up Majority Of Spending

The largest single investment in 2026 is $7.7 million for upgrades to Lift Stations A & B. 

Built in 1980, the utility buildings require expansion & modernization. 

The project will add additional pumps at each station to increase capacity & accommodate higher wastewater volumes as the community grows.

Administration reported the Town has about 4 million in general reserves, with officials looking to the Feb. 28th provincial budget for any possible grant funding changes. 

Other Wastewater Projects

A further $355,000 in debenture funding will be used to install water & wastewater mains & services along 52 Avenue this year.

An additional $175,000 in grant funding will be added to the 2025 water replacement project on 50 Avenue to replace the sanitary mains between 50 & 51 Streets at the same time.

As well, $55,000 in grant funding was allocated to replace the sanitary mains on 51 Avenue at the 56 Street back alley. 

Water Treatment Plant Investments

Council allocated between $400,000 for replacement of PALL membrane racks at the water treatment plant. 

Installed in 2010, the membranes filter suspended solids & other materials from entering the drinking water supply. 

Although membranes typically last about 10 years, staff have extended their lifespan.

Reserves have been built to cover replacement costs, with administration reporting a ‘Water for Life’ grant application was submitted in November 2025.

If approved, all three racks will be replaced in January 2027. If funding is not secured, the project will proceed in phases, beginning with one rack.

Additional wastewater projects are also included. 

Council approved $300,000, funded through the Canada Community Building Fund, to de-sludge lagoon cells A & B.

Another $300,000 from reserves will fund de-sludging of the raw water outdoor reservoir. 

A further $200,000 will convert the lagoon aeration building’s aspirator system to compressed air, replacing equipment that is nearing failure.

Finally, to protect the water distribution system, $100,000 in grant funding has been allocated to install two automatic pressure control valves at the water treatment plant.

Roads & Tandem Truck

On the transportation side, $800,000 in grant funding has been earmarked for rehabilitation of 50 Avenue (Veterans Way) between 53 & 57 Streets. 

The work includes replacing the curb and gutters, & repairing & repaving the road base.

$360,000 has been allocated for a tandem truck equipped with a speed plow. 

The purchase will help to respond to expanded snow clearing responsibilities for the Town of Stettler, including at the airport. 

The new unit will also handle snow removal at the water treatment plant, freeing up graders for other duties.

Emergency Services & Recreation Facilities

Council approved a $300,000 transfer to reserves toward the future replacement of a 2001 fire engine, expected around 2031. 

At the Stettler Recreation Centre, $165,000 will fund replacement of a 2007 zamboni.

The Town also has a 2016 model, which services the arenas and outdoor rink. The 2007 unit will be sold or auctioned.

Council also approved $85,000 to replace the SRC’s 2013 LED digital display sign.

The new sign will maintain similar dimensions, with space to place the Rec Centre’s logo on the sign at the entrance to the arena. 

Washroom renovations are also set to take place this year at the S-R-C. 

$65,000 was earmarked for the replacement of aging vanities, sinks, partitions & mirrors in the bathrooms not upgraded during the previous renovations in 2019.

Parks & Community Amenities

Council continued its commitment to a new spray park in West Stettler, allocating the final $100,000 to a reserve established over the past two budgets. 

The town’s goal is to contribute half of the projected $500,000 project cost, with the balance anticipated through grants, fundraising & donations.

$60,000 was dedicated to replacing pea gravel with poured rubber at the Parkdale Playground & the Tot Lot on 45th Street.

Finally, the Community Hall will see $50,000 invested in new stacking chairs. 

Half of the existing 500 chairs will be relocated to the Hub at the SRC, while older units will be disposed of.

2026 Capital Budget Financing 

Of the $12,009,500 capital budget, $2,155,000 is expected to come from grants. 

A further $8,455,000 will be financed through debentures, grants & general reserves, including the $7.7 million lift station project.