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.
At the March 31, 2026 Finance Committee meeting, Council reviewed the updated financial plan and approved a 2026 general municipal tax levy of $10,723,780, representing an increase of $502,580 (4.92%) over the 2025 budget.On April 7, 2026, the Finance Committee will review 2026 rate setting.
View the agendas and staff reports at:
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.
