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Background
Each year City Council and City Staff work together to develop an annual budget and five-year financial plan to guide where tax dollars, funding, and resources are allocated during the coming year.The City’s budget is guided by Council's strategic priorities, the need to maintain and replace our infrastructure andassets, continuing to offer essential services, and priorities expressed by the community.
Developing the 2026 Budget
The 2026 Budget Process is underway, and in November staff will be presenting a set of proposed guidelines for Council consideration and endorsement prior to developing the annual budget and five-year financial plan.
This year, we are looking for your feedback early in the process, and have a short survey to get your input on your priorities to help inform Council's direction to staff. By engaging with you at this point in the budget development process, there is more opportunity for your input to shape the final 2026 budget and influence what services and projects are prioritized.
After budget guidelines are finalized at the November 12, 2025 meeting, Staff will use that direction to develop the provisional budget for Council consideration. In early 2026 we will host a series of Special Budget Meetings to present the draft operating and capital budgets to Council for their consideration.
After the draft budget has been presented, we'll develop a high-level 'Budget at a Glance' document to provide you with an overview of the plans for the upcoming years, connect again through a series of pop-up budget engagement events, and provide an additional online opportunity for feedback.
Stay Informed! Help Shape the 2026 Budget
As we move through the 2026 Budget Process you'll find reports, feedback opportunities and information on this page.
Background
Each year City Council and City Staff work together to develop an annual budget and five-year financial plan to guide where tax dollars, funding, and resources are allocated during the coming year.The City’s budget is guided by Council's strategic priorities, the need to maintain and replace our infrastructure andassets, continuing to offer essential services, and priorities expressed by the community.
Developing the 2026 Budget
The 2026 Budget Process is underway, and in November staff will be presenting a set of proposed guidelines for Council consideration and endorsement prior to developing the annual budget and five-year financial plan.
This year, we are looking for your feedback early in the process, and have a short survey to get your input on your priorities to help inform Council's direction to staff. By engaging with you at this point in the budget development process, there is more opportunity for your input to shape the final 2026 budget and influence what services and projects are prioritized.
After budget guidelines are finalized at the November 12, 2025 meeting, Staff will use that direction to develop the provisional budget for Council consideration. In early 2026 we will host a series of Special Budget Meetings to present the draft operating and capital budgets to Council for their consideration.
After the draft budget has been presented, we'll develop a high-level 'Budget at a Glance' document to provide you with an overview of the plans for the upcoming years, connect again through a series of pop-up budget engagement events, and provide an additional online opportunity for feedback.
Stay Informed! Help Shape the 2026 Budget
As we move through the 2026 Budget Process you'll find reports, feedback opportunities and information on this page.
Each year, the City develops an annual budget and five-year Financial Plan that sets the course for how we maintain services, invest in infrastructure, and plan for the future.
Like most municipalities, Fernie is facing increasing costs from inflation, development pressures, and aging infrastructure. At the same time, we know residents value reliable core services, affordability, and long-term sustainability.
Next month, Council will be reviewing new Budget Guidelines that will shape the development of the 2026 budget. Before decisions are made, we want to hear from you and to better understand your priorities and comfort with different funding approaches.
