Each year, the Town of Smithers develops a budget to guide how municipal services are funded and delivered. The process begins with departmental operational budgets, which outline the day-to-day costs of running Town services such as public works, protective services, recreation, administration, and utilities.

These operational budgets are reviewed by the Finance Committee, a committee of Council that examines staffing levels, service costs, and efficiencies, and asks questions before making recommendations to Council.

Once operational budgets are reviewed, the Finance Committee then considers the capital budget, which focuses on larger, long-term investments such as roads, buildings, equipment, and infrastructure. Capital planning looks ahead several years to help manage aging assets and plan responsibly for future needs.

Public input is an important part of the budget process. Finance Committee meetings are open to the public, include a three-minute speaking period, and residents can also submit written comments to general@smithers.ca for inclusion on future agendas.

A public engagement session will be held at Town Hall on March 31st, at 5:00pm, before the Finance Committee Meeting.


Highlights of the Committee’s discussions include:

  • The proposed 2026 property tax increase is 4.59%, with five-year projections ranging from 2.69% to 5.19%, based on current assumptions.
  • The Library renovation (estimated at approximately $3.0 million) is funded 50% through RBA funding and 50% through 25-year long-term debt, with final operating impacts to be determined through 2027.
  • The new Fire Truck purchase is fully funded through RBA funds, avoiding borrowing and supporting long-term Fire capital sustainability.
  • The sustainability of the Airport’s structural deficit, currently funded through accumulated surplus.

View the agendas and staff reports at:

https://smithers.civicweb.net/document/277695


Finance Committee meetings are open to the public and live-streamed on our Facebook page. Written comments can be sent to general@smithers.ca for inclusion on future agendas.