Hello neighbours! Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, and the week leading up to it is a busy one for Leduc and Beaumont homeowners. Here's a quick week-ahead guide to the local budget conversations, the key rate and budget dates, and a few ways to celebrate with the family.
When does Leduc start talking about its 2027 budget?
Leduc City Council begins public deliberations on the proposed 2027 Budget on Monday, Oct. 26. All meetings start at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Leduc Civic Centre (1 Alexandra Park), are open to the public, and are livestreamed. According to the City of Leduc, the schedule is:
Oct. 26: Grants to Organizations
Nov. 2: City Manager, Finance, and Infrastructure and Planning
Nov. 9: Corporate Services, and Community and Protective Services
Nov. 23: Flagged items and follow-up discussions
The Nov. 2 and Nov. 9 meetings include time for public input, and speakers need to register in advance or in person before the meeting. Council is expected to consider budget approval on Dec. 7, and the City notes the property tax rate will be set in the spring once assessments are complete.
Out in the county, Leduc County's October newsletter lists 2027 interim budget meetings on Nov. 23, 24 and 26, also open to the public and livestreamed.
What did Beaumont residents say about the 2027 budget?
The City of Beaumont shared its 2027 Budget Survey results on Oct. 21, and participation was way up: 1,107 people took part, compared with 656 last year. A few highlights from the What We Heard report:
58.0% rated the value of City services as fair, good or excellent.
38.5% chose keeping property taxes at the current level, still the most selected option, while 31.5% chose an option to increase taxes.
Minimizing tax increases remains the top priority at 62.4%, down from 70.3% last year.
Utilities (59.8%) and groceries (58.5%) were the household costs participants pointed to most often, and concern about housing costs eased.
The City says survey results are one of several inputs guiding the 2027 budget. Beaumont Council's next regular meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. (see the City of Beaumont calendar).
Which rate and budget dates should homeowners watch?
Two dates stand out over the next couple of weeks:
Wednesday, Oct. 28: The Bank of Canada releases its interest rate announcement and Monetary Policy Report at 9:45 a.m. ET (7:45 a.m. here in Alberta). The Financial Post reported on Oct. 20 that several major banks had changed their calls to a hike, while a recent Bloomberg survey still pointed to a hold.
Thursday, Nov. 5: The Government of Canada will table Budget 2026.
No one knows the outcome ahead of time, and every household's situation is different. If you have a renewal coming up or are planning a purchase, a mortgage professional can walk you through your options.
Where can families trick-or-treat safely this week?
Leduc, Monday, Oct. 26, 5 to 7:30 p.m.: A free Trick-or-Treat at the Leduc Protective Services Building (4119 50 St.), where kids can meet firefighters, police officers and peace officers and collect treats and goodie bags. Details are on the City of Leduc event page.
Beaumont, Saturday, Oct. 31, 3:30 to 5 p.m.: Safe Halloween at the Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre with the Beaumont Fire Department, RCMP, Municipal Enforcement and Citizens on Patrol. See the City of Beaumont calendar.
How is Beaumont marking Remembrance Day this year?
Looking a little further ahead, Beaumont's Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11 will include the formal dedication of the city's new cenotaph at the Beaumont Sport and Recreation Centre. The City of Beaumont says this year's ceremony will be held outdoors in the BSRC parking lot, so dress for November weather. It will also be livestreamed on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Leduc's 2027 budget meetings start?
Monday, Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Leduc Civic Centre. Council is expected to consider budget approval on Dec. 7.
How many people took Beaumont's 2027 budget survey?
1,107 people took part, up from 656 last year. Minimizing tax increases remained the top priority at 62.4%.
When is the Bank of Canada's next rate announcement?
Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 9:45 a.m. ET (7:45 a.m. in Alberta). The federal budget follows on Nov. 5.
Where can kids trick-or-treat safely in Leduc and Beaumont?
At the Leduc Protective Services Building on Monday, Oct. 26 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., and at Beaumont's Safe Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre.
Enjoy the Week!
Whether you're tuning in to a budget meeting, watching Wednesday's rate news or putting the finishing touches on a costume, have a safe and happy week.
Keith Lopushinsky, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Real Estate
Questions about buying or selling in Leduc or Beaumont? Reach out to Keith Lopushinsky, RE/MAX Real Estate.
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