With the holidays right around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to provide a quick recap of the start of this term. 

First, I want to take this moment to express my sincere gratitude for electing me to represent you at City Hall. Thank you for your trust.

I would also like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support. Without their support and encouragement this endeavor would not have been possible. 

Lastly, thank you to my dedicated staff at City Hall—Elizabeth, Kyrsten, and Arpit—for their hard work and guidance during the start of this term. I am forever grateful for our team.

Over the past several weeks, I have gained valuable insights from meeting with colleagues, connecting with stakeholders, touring various organizations, and, most importantly, listening to your concerns. 

I recognize the tremendous amount of work ahead, particularly as we look toward the four-year City budget deliberations next November/December. The situation we witnessed this past December regarding continuous high tax increases underscores the challenge we face. I elaborate below on what unfolded at Council a few weeks ago.

Budget Recap 

Earlier this month, Council concluded the City’s Fall 2025 Supplemental Budget Adjustment discussion, approving a number of changes resulting in a 6.9 per cent property tax increase for 2026.

Following extensive deliberation, I voted against the proposed budget and the associated tax increase of 6.9%. In my previous update, I noted my ultimate goal was to reduce the proposed tax increase as this was a number one concern I heard during the election. 

In spite of the way I voted on this Budget, I still feel it’s necessary to share some of the key aspects of this Budget so that you know what your tax dollars are going towards in 2026. Please see below an overview of what this Budget entails.

Council approved the following additions to the budget;

• $11.0 million in ongoing funding for Explore Edmonton to support their work to attract major events and tourism dollars to the city, which increased the tax levy.
• $9.3 million in one-time funding to support improvements to Whitemud Drive. 
• $5.8 million in ongoing funding for more peace officers to support traffic safety.
•  $2.7 million in ongoing funding to enhance bus cleaning.
• $1.6 million in one-time funding to develop a River Valley trail strategy.

Council also approved that $12.7 million in one-time revenues and savings be used to help restore the Financial Stabilization Reserve (FSR) to its minimum balance.

Council also approved several capital adjustments, adding $123.4 million to the capital budget. The adjustments include:

• $26.4 million in new Neighbourhood Renewal reserve funding for 2027 and beyond.
• $25.2 million for 25 new buses to provide regular bus service in three high-growth areas.
• $23.1 million of additional funding to build two new fire stations and an emergency communications centre.
• $24.1 million in new funding for the development of new school sites, a district park project in Windermere (details below), demolition of the Argyll Velodrome, and the Rossdale Power Plant roof replacement.
• $15.2 million for various transit projects to leverage available grants from the Canada Public Transit Fund.
• $7.7 million in additional funding for 137 Avenue and Anthony Henday Drive Ramps.

The following adjustments are specific to Ward pihêsiwin;

• The Windermere District Park: The City of Edmonton is developing a new distinct park in southwest Edmonton, located at 170 Street SW and Rabbit Hill Road. The district park will support the needs of two schools - one public junior/senior high school and one Catholic high school - as well as a future recreation facility and local park users. More detail on this project can be found here. 

The changes increase the $11.3 billion capital budget by one per cent. The City will continue to deliver on more than 200 projects in the 2023-2026 capital budget that Council approved in December 2022, including LRT expansion projects, the Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion, the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre, rehabilitating the High Level Bridge, Housing Accelerator Fund projects and the expansion of the Active Transportation network.

Looking Ahead to 2026 

I recognize that the recent property tax increases were not the outcome anyone had hoped for. As we look ahead to 2026, one of my top priorities is to find solutions to bring property tax increases down as much as possible.

City Council will debate and approve the 2027-2030 budget in November/December of next year. Prior to those discussions, I will be conducting a line-by-line review of the City’s core services.

I want to acknowledge the question regarding why we cannot achieve the same tax reductions as Calgary. I have heard this concern loud and clear. As part of my review, I will be assessing the decisions Calgary made during their budget process this December. I will continue to advocate on your behalf at the Council table, as I understand that continuous tax increases are a burden to all Edmonton taxpayers.

In addition, my office will also keep in touch with you as important items are discussed at Council and Committee meetings. I encourage you to have your neighbours sign up for my newsletter updates as this is the most efficient way to stay informed. We will also notify you of any future in-person events my office hosts, and I look forward to connecting with you then. 

With that being said, my office will be closing for the Holidays. The start of this Council term has been extremely busy and we look forward to recharging and getting ready for the year ahead. 

If you have an urgent City concern during this time, please contact the City Services Contact Centre by dialing 311 (or 780-442-5311 if you are outside of Edmonton).

While the holiday season is a joyous time for most, it can also be challenging for others. I encourage you to connect with friends or relatives over the holidays, as a simple chat can make a big difference. If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help, access to resources, or just someone to listen, please call or text the Canadian Mental Health Association’s 24/7 information and referral line at 211. You can find more information about this community resource here.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful and prosperous New Year! See you in 2026! 

Sincerely,

Mike Elliott