The annual budget, guided by Council’s Strategic Priorities, is part of a five-year plan that outlines the Town’s services and initiatives and how they will be funded.
Every year municipalities must determine the cost of services such as RCMP, Fire, parks, roads, recreation, etc.. These costs typically increase slightly each year due to factors like inflation, insurance, energy prices, growing service demands, and additional responsibilities legislated by higher-ranking governments.
Considering these factors and past trends, the Town creates a draft budget to determine the costs that are necessary to deliver on Council-approved service levels. Town Council then carefully reviews and debates every budget item, working to keep taxes reasonable while maintaining services.
2025 Budget
Town of Smithers 2025 Budget: 6.13% Increase Explained
After a detailed line-by-line review of the 2025 budget, the Town’s Finance Committee has landed on a 6.13% increase, balancing organizational requirements with community needs and priorities.
For the average household, this equals an estimated $9.92 increase per month.
Here’s what’s contributing to the increase:
3.6% – Forced Growth
This reflects the rising cost of maintaining existing services. Inflation affects everything from utilities to equipment, and this ensures we can continue delivering the same level of service as last year.
0.93% – RCMP Funding Gap
The Town has been gradually closing the RCMP funding gap. Currently, part of this budget is supported by reserves, a practice that isn’t sustainable. Phasing in this increase now helps avoid steep tax increases in the future.
0.55% – Deferred 2024 Staffing Costs
These are staffing costs approved in 2024 that are now fully integrated for a full calendar year.
1.05% – New Budget Requests
These include investments in areas such as:
- Additional training and equipment for Smithers Fire Rescue
- Bylaw enforcement and equipment
- Recreation programs and services.
RBA Funding in Action
In addition to the tax-supported budget, Council has allocated Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA) funding to support major community infrastructure and planning initiatives, including:
- $1 million in additional funding for road & sidewalk repair and maintenance in 2025
- $2.7 million for the Princess Street upgrade project
- $1.5 million for the Hudson Bay Reservoir watermain replacement
- Pump replacement at the Riverside well
- Development of an Asset Management Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan
- Creation of an Asset / Project Manager position and a Facilities Maintenance position
- Establishment of an Indigenous Relations Liaison position
- And more!
The Finance Committee will hold a special meeting on Monday, April 14th, with an informational presentation on the 2025 budget and Five Year Financial Plan, as well as the opportunity for public feedback. The meeting will be held in Town Hall Council Chambers (1027 Aldous Street) at 5:00pm, and live-streamed on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/townofsmithers
View the Finance Committee meeting agenda and minutes here.
Public Participation
- Mail your comments to front@smithers.ca for Council’s consideration.
- Attend the meetings and share your input during a 3-minute speaking period on budget items.