Budget Survey Results Show Community Priorities for 2026
Thank you to everyone who took part in the 2026 Budget Survey. We received 430 responses, up 56% from last year, and the feedback is already helping shape next year’s budget discussions.
At the July 8 Council meeting, members reviewed the survey findings, which showed strong support for amenities like an indoor pool, enhanced trail networks, and outdoor recreation opportunities. While these ideas reflect real community interest, Council also discussed the financial realities. Building an indoor pool, for example, could cost up to $20 million, with estimated annual operating costs of $2 million. Still, the survey offers a valuable snapshot of public priorities as the budget process begins.
There were mixed opinions on where to reduce costs. While some options may seem like easy savings, cutting funding in certain areas, especially those supported by grants, can mean those dollars disappear altogether.
By the Numbers: What Residents Told Us
- 430 people completed the survey, a 56% increase from last year.
- For 90% of participants, the CNP is their primary residence and are homeowners.
- When asked what they would like to see more of, participants offered lots of great ideas, and these were the top submissions:
- Grocery Stores
- Indoor Pool
- a Recreation Centre
- Trails
- Road Maintenance
- Youth Programs
- The top three kinds of information participants want to hear more about from the Municipality are:
- Council Decisions/Actions
- Taxes/Budget
- Planning, Development & Rezoning
- In terms of what to reduce:
- 41% selected general administration and customer services
- 34% chose Arts & Culture funding to Library, Museum, Roxy etc.
- Participants chose Garbage, Operations (Water, Sewer, Storm Water) and Family and Community Support Service (FCSS) as the best services being delivered.
- When it comes to service levels and property taxes:
- 32% of participants said that they would agree to increased taxes to allow for enhanced or expanded services
- 27% stated that they would like taxes maintained with decreased service levels
- 26% would like their taxes reduced with decreased service levels, and
- 15% stated that they would agree to increased taxes to maintain current service levels
What Happens Next?
The survey is just the starting point. Budget planning kicks off in July and continues through the fall, with several chances for residents to stay informed and involved. Council and staff will use the feedback from this survey, along with direction from the Strategic Plan, to help shape priorities and propose new initiatives for the 2026 budget.
Key Council 2026 Budget Meetings:
- July 8 at 7:00pm - Survey review, budget guidelines and calendar
- August 21 at 1:00pm – Council initiatives
- October 16 at 9:00am – Community grant applications and department initiatives
- December 4 at 9:00am – Draft budget presentation and public input opportunity
- December 11 at 9:00am – Follow-up meeting (if needed)
Everyone is welcome to attend all meetings. Whether you're curious about how decisions are made or want to share your perspective during the public input stage, your voice matters.