Blackfalds Council Approves 2026 Interim Budgets

Blackfalds, Alberta (December 12, 2025)– During the November 25 and December 10 Regular Council meeting, Blackfalds Council approved the 2026 interim capital and operating budgets as well as the three-year financial plan.With the recent election year ending, Council has approved interim budgets to give themselves time to review the budget documents and Town operations, and will attend a budget workshop in February, with the formal adoption of the budget in spring 2026.“With the approval of the capital and interim operating budget, Council is ensuring stability as we move into the new year. It is allowing us to maintain operations, programs, services, and infrastructure our community relies on while we prepare for our budget workshop in February,” said Mayor Laura Svab.The operating budget includes everything needed for day-to-day Town operations such as salary changes, costs for insurance, electricity, natural gas, etc. with a total estimate of $37,945,052.The capital budget accounts for large upcoming projects including South Street upgrades, equipment replacement/upgrades, and facility and land improvements, with a total estimate of $2,827,300.Tax implications will be shared in early spring once the budget has been reviewed and formally adopted, shared Chief Administrative Officer Kim Isaak."While this is only the beginning stage of approving the budget, I'm excited to see the partnership between Administration and Council as we decide how to deliver the most efficient and cost-effective services and amenities to the residents of Blackfalds. I look forward to the discussions, learning, and collaboration that will lead us to the formal adoption in the spring," said Isaak.For more information:Laura SvabMayor403.391.9485lsvab@blackfalds.caKim IsaakChief Administrative Officer403.885.6255kissak@blackfalds.ca

Province Seeking Registry Agent for Blackfalds

Blackfalds, Alberta (December 1, 2025) –The Government of Alberta (GoA) hasissueda Request for Proposal (RFP), inviting businesses or individualstoestablishand operate a registry office in Blackfaldsunder a long-term service contract.Inlate 2017, Service Alberta announced thata registryoffice could open in themunicipality, and that the Town itself could take on the operation toexpeditethe process. So, in2018/19, the Town of Blackfaldsbegan theexplorationof operating a registry office,under the umbrella of the municipality,at the Civic Cultural Centre, however the plan was put on hold as there were concerns of accessibility, parking, as well as potential impact to Town Operations.Since then, Mayor Laura Svab shared,Town Administration and Council has continued to advocatefor a Registry Office RFPfromthe GoA,and sheis proud of the workthat hasbeen donetobring thisdeficiencyto light.“It is due to the persistence and advocacy of Administration and Council, past and present, that has brought the registries project to this point. It tookmanyletters, phone calls, and meetings to keep this on theGoA’sradar, and it will be worth it to seeBlackfaldsresidents stay within their communityto fill this need.”Currently, residentsare required totravel to registry offices insurrounding areas likeLacombe, RedDeeror Sylvan Lake. While these offices are within a10-20 minutedrive, Blackfaldshas long needed a localoption, consideringthepopulation of more than 11,000.“I am delighted to see that one of the actions from the Strategic Planning Priority of connecting residents to services and services to residents is being realized,” shared Chief Administrative Officer Kim Isaak. “It’salso great to see the cooperation from theGoA in bringing this priority to fruition.It’sbeen a long time coming, as we are the only townwithour population size without a registry office.”Eligible applicantsfor the RFPmust provide motor vehicle services (like vehicle registration, renewals, license plate issuance), vital statistics (birth, marriage, and death certificate applications, name changes), corporate registry (business name registrations), land titles, and other government services.The contract duration according to the RFP is approximately 15 yearswithananticipatedcontract start date of August 1, 2026.Interested proponents are to have the completed RFPsubmittedby the deadline ofJanuary 15, 2026.The RFP can be viewed online here.Formoreinformation:Laura SvabMayor403.391.9485lsvab@blackfalds.caKim IsaakChief Administrative Officer403.885.6255kisaak@blackfalds.ca

Light Up Blackfalds! Returns November 21

Blackfalds, Alberta (November 20, 2025)– The Town of Blackfalds is kicking off the holiday season with fan-favourite Light Up Blackfalds, sponsored by Stantec, on Friday, November 21!Every year, the Parks Department transforms Tayles Water Spray Park into a winter wonderland with musical light displays that shine every night during the holiday season. Viewers are encouraged to walk along the paths in Tayles Park, take photos, and enjoy the spectacle!“This year, the park has roughly 1,414 string lights, with a total of 106,180 bulbs and 9 large displays which takes our team of four a total of six weeks to set up, decorate and complete. There are also a few new features that we are excited for everyone to see,” shared Parks Foreman Shaun Knowles.This free event will also feature a dance show performed by Dancer’s Edge, free hot chocolate donated by Tim Hortons, and fire pits to keep viewers warm. Town Staff will also be accepting cash donations on behalf of the Blackfalds Food Bank and Beyond Food Community Hub and Blackfalds FCSS’ Christmas Bureau Program.Light Up Blackfalds! will start with Dancer’s Edge entertainment at 5:00pm, followed by speeches from dignitaries, and the countdown will begin at 5:30pm.Mayor Laura Svab expressed her excitement for the event and hopes to see everyone out to experience the night.“With the holiday season fast approaching, Light Up Blackfalds! is the perfect way to bring our community together to celebrate the joy of the season. Whether it is a family tradition or your first time joining us, we invite everyone to share in the magic and excitement of this special event,” Svab added.Grigg Way will be closed for the duration of the event. Following Light Up Blackfalds!, the music and light show will continue until January:Music & Light ShowSunday to Thursday | 6:00 to 8:00 pmFriday & Saturday | 6:00 to 9:00 pmLight ShowMonday to Sunday | 5:00 pm until DawnFor more information:Laura Svab Kim IsaakMayor Chief Administrative Officer403.872.2555 403.885.6255lsvab@blackfalds.ca kisaak@blackfalds.ca