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2026 Budget Guidelines Survey

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.

1.  

When you think about Fernie’s overall budget, which goal is most important to you?

2.  

Each year, the cost to deliver services increases due to inflation — things like fuel, insurance, equipment, materials, contracts, and wages. These increases are needed just to maintain current service levels.

How comfortable are you with corresponding increases in taxes and fees to maintain the current level of City services?
3.  

If the City did not increase taxes or fees to match increased expenses, which option would you prefer?

4.  

If we were to “Reduce the level or frequency of some services,” which types of services would you be most comfortable seeing reduced?

(Select all that apply)

5.  

Fernie’s population growth and new development bring both new revenues and new demands — from building inspections and planning to road maintenance. There is an option to consider “funding growth with growth,” using new development revenue and fees to directly support the staff and systems required to respond to new demands.

How much do you support using new development revenue (like Non-Market Change or updated fees) to fund staffing and systems needed to manage growth?
6.  

If growth-related revenues aren’t enough to offset the increased demands, which approach do you prefer?

7.  

Fernie’s infrastructure (roads, facilities, water and sewer systems) is aging. To avoid sudden tax increases or debt in the future, the City contributes to reserves. There is an option to consider increasing annual reserve contributions (savings) to fund future repairs and replacements.
This means paying a little more now to reduce risk and debt later.

How much do you support the idea of using some new revenue (from growth or mine tax sharing) along with small, gradual tax increases, to build reserves for future infrastructure replacement?
8.  

The City provides annual operating funding to local organizations such as the library, arts council, seniors’ centre, and heritage groups. This funding helps maintain programs that benefit the community.


How should the City approach operational funding to community organizations in 2026?

Please tell us a little about yourself.

The following questions are optional.

10.  

Where do you live?

11.  

What option best describes you? (Select all that apply)