Hello neighbours! The leaves are mostly down, the mornings have a bite, and there's plenty going on south of Edmonton this week. Here's a quick look at the rate news everyone is talking about, and a few community dates worth adding to your calendar.

Bank of Canada Decision: Wednesday, Oct. 28

The Bank of Canada's next rate announcement is this Wednesday. Its policy rate has been 2.25% since October 2025. Here's what several outlets have reported in the lead-up:

• CBC News reported on Oct. 21 that a growing number of economists now expect a quarter-point increase, and that overnight swap markets put the odds of a hike at about 87%.

• A Reuters poll published via Investing.com found that 19 of 34 economists surveyed Oct. 21 to 23 expect the rate to rise to 2.50%.

• The Globe and Mail, citing Ratehub.ca, listed the lowest advertised five-year variable rate at 3.45% and the lowest five-year fixed rate at just under 4.5%.

• MoneySense noted that not everyone expects a hike. It listed three- and five-year fixed rates as low as 4.34% and said a 25-basis-point increase could push variable rates to about 3.7%. The Bank's final decision of the year is set for Dec. 9.

Every household's situation is different. If you have a renewal coming up or are planning a purchase, consider talking with a mortgage professional about your options.

East Vistas Special Study Area

Leduc County is reviewing future land uses for a section of the East Vistas area (29-50-24-W4M), working together with the City of Beaumont. The plan covers lands east of Range Road 244 and frontage along Range Road 245. The County plans three phases of public engagement, starting with an open house held Oct. 14. If you own land nearby or are curious about how Beaumont's edges may grow, you can find project details and ask questions on the Your Say Leduc County project page.

Meet Your Local RCMP

The Leduc RCMP is hosting community town halls so residents can connect with local officers. The Leduc session is Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6 PM at the Leduc Civic Centre. Sessions are also planned in New Sarepta (Oct. 27) and Calmar (Oct. 28). Details are in the Leduc Representative's community events listing.

Safe Halloween in Beaumont

Little ghosts and superheroes are invited to Beaumont's Safe Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 3:30 to 5 PM at the Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre. Local fire, RCMP, enforcement and Citizens on Patrol volunteers will be on hand with treats and safety tips. See the City of Beaumont calendar for details.

Beaumont Fall Waste Reminders

A few changes to note from the City of Beaumont:

• Yard waste drop-off at the Operations Facility wraps up Oct. 30.

• Green carts switch to every-other-week pickup starting in November.

• Blue bags now accept more items, including glass containers, foam packaging, flexible plastics and empty aerosol cans.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next Bank of Canada interest rate decision?

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. The Bank's policy rate has been 2.25% since October 2025, and its final decision of the year is set for Dec. 9.

Are economists expecting the Bank of Canada to raise rates?

Many are. A Reuters poll found 19 of 34 economists surveyed expect the rate to rise to 2.50%, though MoneySense noted that not everyone expects a hike.

When is the Leduc RCMP town hall?

Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6 PM at the Leduc Civic Centre. Sessions are also planned in New Sarepta (Oct. 27) and Calmar (Oct. 28).

When and where is Safe Halloween in Beaumont?

Saturday, Oct. 31 from 3:30 to 5 PM at the Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre.

What is the East Vistas Special Study Area?

It's a Leduc County review, done together with the City of Beaumont, of future land uses for lands east of Range Road 244 and frontage along Range Road 245, near Beaumont.

When does Beaumont's yard waste drop-off end for the season?

Yard waste drop-off at the Operations Facility wraps up Oct. 30, and green carts switch to every-other-week pickup starting in November.

Have a Great Week!

Whether you're watching rates, raking the last of the leaves or planning a costume, enjoy the week ahead.

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.