OLDS – Residents are urged to provide feedback on what they believe priorities should be for things like service levels, funding priorities and infrastructure planning, via the municipality’s annual budget engagement survey, now live on the town’s website.
The survey, looking ahead to the 2026 budget, includes questions in several areas, including protective services, infrastructure and planning, and community services.
Residents can complete the survey online by visiting http://www.olds.ca/engagement. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and will remain open until July 17.
Survey results will help town council understand what matters most to residents as priorities are determined and services are realigned “to reflect current realities and future needs,” a town news release says.
“Budget planning focuses on balance,” corporate services director Sheena Linderman is quoted as saying in the news release.
“We want to make sure we're aligning our resources with what matters most to residents — whether it's public safety, road maintenance, recreation, or community programs.”
Following are some key topics covered in the survey:
Protective services
Input is requested on RCMP priorities, municipal enforcement focus areas, and overall community safety.
“These services shape how resources are allocated to prevent crime and support safe, livable neighbourhoods,” the release says.
Infrastructure and planning
This includes roads, utilities, snow clearing, land use, and future development. Decisions in this area affect the reliability of core services, long-term growth, and infrastructure maintenance.
Community services
This area covers recreation, parks, and community development.
“This section will assist planning for facilities like the Aquatic Centre, Centennial Park, and the Sportsplex, as well as programming for all age groups,” the release says.
How to participate
Responses will be compiled into a public report and shared with town council for the 2026 budget deliberations this fall.
“This is an opportunity to have your say on the decisions that shape the services you use and rely on every day,” the release says.
