RMWB Approves $645.6M Budget for 2025, Prioritizing Services and Infrastructure
FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has approved the budget for 2025, following two days of deliberations by Council. The $645.6-million budget focuses on maintaining safe, reliable services and making strategic long-term investments to support growth and sustainability across the region.
The budget is putting $476.2 million into operating expenses, which include emergency services, roads, transit, environmental services, and policing. Key operational highlights include $46 million for fire and ambulance services, $80.2 million for parks and transportation infrastructure, and $58.7 million for police support and bylaw enforcement.
On the capital side, $166.2 million is earmarked for projects funded through grants and 2025 revenues. New projects include spending on municipal accessibility upgrades, repairs to the McKay River Bridge, and infrastructure improvements to the water and wastewater treatment plants. Several multi-year initiatives will also continue, including flood mitigation efforts, rural water and sewer servicing, and the Northside Twin Arena.
“The 2025 budget is a responsible approach that enables the community, supports the local economy and the people that live here, and makes good investments in important projects and essential services all across the region,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman.
CAO Henry Hunter pointed out the budget is in alignment with Council’s strategic plan, and focuses on long-term sustainability and efficient service delivery. “This budget provides a strong foundation to deliver services and projects more efficiently while ensuring the needs of communities are met in 2025 and the years ahead,” Hunter said.
The approved budget includes $169.4 million allocated to reserves as a hedge against rising costs of materials and supplies across Alberta and Canada.