Businesses and pet owners in the Town of Stettler will face no fee increases next year after town council voted during its Oct. 20 meeting to maintain license fees through 2027.
Council approved keeping business license fees at $150 annually for resident commercial and home-based businesses and $350 for non-residents.
Based on 2026 numbers totaling 551 active licenses as of Sept. 21, the fees are projected to generate $96,650 in revenue next year.
Active licenses are down from the past two years, with 567 registered in 2025 and 577 in 2024.
Pet Fees and Bylaw Enforcement Updates
Pet licensing fees will also stay flat, remaining at $25 for altered dogs & cats & $50 for unaltered animals.
A $10 replacement tag fee & a $10 early-bird discount (running Dec. 1 to Jan. 31) will also carry over.
The town recorded 1,089 active animal licenses in 2026.
However, low cat licensing numbers drew attention during the meeting. Coun. Wayne Smith highlighted that only about 328 cats are registered compared to over 740 dogs.
Council also reviewed fine structures for unlicensed pets and animals running at large, which scale from $100 for a first offense up to $500 for a third offense, with matching fines for being unlicensed.
While loose animals are currently transported to Red Deer, town officials noted plans to partner with local veterinarians when the new local bylaw program rolls out in mid-2027.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
