Every autumn, Council approves the Town of Hinton’s budget for the following year. There are two parts to the budget: Operating and Capital.

The Operating Budget summarizes what the Town will spend on programs and services and where the money will come from.

The Capital Budget outlines the Town’s plan for funding infrastructure that supports the delivery of programs and services, like water pipes, snow plows, fire trucks, vehicles, roads, and buildings.

As required by the Municipal Government Act, Council passed the 2026 budget before December 31, 2025. The 2026 Budget Report is available here.

Current state of Hinton's finances

Compared to similar communities, Hinton has:
• Lower property taxes
• Lower savings
• Lower revenue (taxes, utilities, user fees)
• Lower spending. BUT, Hinton has $147M in assets near the end of their life
• Lower debt

Comparable Alberta communities were selected for their similar populations and services. They include: Drayton Valley, Drumheller, Edson, Wetaskiwin, and Whitecourt.

What does this mean?
Hinton's taxes, fees, and debt will need to increase to fund big projects and maintain services.

What is the Town of Hinton responsible for?

As a municipal government, the Town of Hinton delivers services that support our community’s quality of life. These include safe drinking water, fire protection, public transportation, snow removal, sewage services, waste management, and maintenance of parks and green spaces. Read more about the division of responsibilities between Municipal, Provincial and Federal Government here.

How are municipal services funded?

The Town relies on the following primary funding streams:

• Municipal property taxes
• User fees (permit fees, recreation and transit passes, equipment rentals)
• Provincial and federal government funding (allocated and competitive grants)
• Cost-sharing agreements with regional municipalities

What's Happened So Far

On November 14, 2025, Administration sent proposed 2026 projects and budgets to the Mayor and Council for their review prior to budget-specific workshops on November 18 and 19, 2025.

Following additional discussions in Committee of the Whole and Regular Council Meetings, Council approved a $37 million Operating Budget and $14.9 million Capital Plan on December 16, 2025.

Here is the 2026 Budget Report.

How Residents Participated

• Residents shared their questions and comments via the Participate Now button below.
• The proposed 2026 Operating and Capital Projects were available in the Council and Committee Meeting agendas and minutes.
• Residents could attend Council and Committee meetings either in person at the Government Centre, 131 Civic Centre Road, Hinton or by watching meetings on the Town of Hinton YouTube channel.
• The Mayor and Councillors are always available to discuss your views and priorities.
• Those who signed up to stay informed (button below) received text or email messages.

2026 Funding for External Agencies

The Town of Hinton committed $520,175 in funding support to regional organizations through the 2026 Operating Budget.

Recipients include Arts Society of Hinton, Hinton Disc Golf Society, Hinton Food Bank, Hinton Historical Society, Hinton Mountain Bike Association and Hinton Healthcare Foundation. These organizations are an integral part of the community and complement municipal services. View the full list of funding allocation here.

What's Next?

• The 2026 Budget Report is now available.
• In spring 2026, the property tax rate will be set for the year, with tax notices issued by the end of May.
• Operating and capital projects will then be undertaken by Administration in 2026 as per Council's budgetary decisions.