Town hall in Battleford. (File Photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Alyssa Rudolph

2026 budget

Battleford proposes 3.9 per cent tax increase for 2026 budget

Dec 3, 2025 | 2:06 PM

The capital and operational budget was proposed to the town of Battleford’s council.

Chief financial officer Tetiana Polishchuk presented the 2026 budget with a proposed 3.9 per cent tax increase, which will amount to a $143 annual increase per household.

The town mayor said he has mixed emotions about the numbers but said ultimately, at some point, council must address the infrastructure deficit.

“As a council, you’re responsible to make sure that the taxpayers and residents can bear increases,” said Ames Leslie. “Presently, we’re in a state of economy where every increase hits residents and people of this community and this province and this country significantly more than it normally would.”

Leslie personally hopes the tax increase will drop below 3 per cent for the finalized budget.

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“I think council is probably going to come back and ask administration to trim that up. Maybe it’s a per cent, maybe it’s a per cent and a half off,” he said.

One of the biggest differences in the 2026 budget is the requirement for operational increases, which in past years were kept to a minimum. This year, costs were unavoidable due to a new CUPE contract, which administration determined was best covered with a tax increase.

“Council does have the ability to pull that out of a surplus to balance the books. So that would be a decision that council would have to look to recommend to administration whether they increase taxes to fully cover that or if they look at other revenue streams to cover that increase,” Leslie said.

Additionally, $20 has been included in the proposed $143 increase for each household to go specifically to fund the town’s rink project.

“The discussion about doing the rink, that is one that we’ve heard loud and clear from our community that we need to look at changing the rink, both to be compliance within the new requirements of Hockey Canada, and as well as no major renovations have been done since almost the building has been opened up, back in the 70s,” Leslie said.

A $100 levy was also included in the proposal to cover infrastructure projects. The council voted for it to be removed from the ask during the meeting on Dec. 2.

The Town of Battleford is expected to vote on the 2026 budget during the council’s meeting on Dec. 15.

New Town CAO

A familiar face was seen at the town budget meeting on Dec. 2.

Landon Chambers is a former chief administrative officer (CAO) for the town, previous to the last officer. He has been appointed on an interim basis until the town fills the full-time position.

“He is very, very knowledgeable of our facilities, of our staff, how a council operates. He can basically walk in. He’s a turnkey CAO, so he can hit the ground running without having that learning curve of what’s going on in the community,” Leslie said.

Chamber’s position is temporarily available until May or until a full-time CAO replaces him. If needed, the town will extend his term.

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alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com