INNISFAIL – The town is moving ahead in 2023 with a less ambitious capital project program but one that identifies priorities in all areas of community living, including leisure, town administration, infrastructure improvements, vehicles, equipment and emergency services.
Town of Innisfail staff identified 19 priority projects for town council to consider during the 2023 budget process, which culminated with the approval of both the operating and capital budgets on Dec. 12.
The capital budget for 2023 is valued at nearly $4.4 million; a reduction of about $2.8 million when compared to last year’s capital projects budget.
“We are sensitive to how the current economic situation is affecting many people in our community," said mayor Jean Barclay. "Many difficult decisions had to be made through our budget deliberations and council and administration worked diligently in balancing fiscal responsibility, service levels, with ensuring we continue to move forward as a municipality.
“We will continue to see upgrades to our infrastructure this year, and we are able to continue providing the exceptional services our residents deserve.”
The approved 19 capital projects for Innisfail in 2023 are listed below (budgeted project amount in parenthesis):
• Town office fire system ($15,000)
• Town office entry cement ($20,000)
• Town office generator preparation ($15,000)
• Fire Hall roof replacement and repairs ($66,000)
• Vehicle for assistant fire chief ($75,000)
• 2023 surface improvements ($1,306,000)
• Backhoe replacement ($210,000)
• Gravel/plow truck box ($100,000)
• Replace 2001 Ford F350 service truck ($120,000)
• Replace 2007 Ford Freestyle ($40,000)
• 46 Avenue infrastructure replacements ($775,000)
• 40 Street Close scan and road replacement ($418,000)
• Cannon Park Playground replacement ($160,000)
• Seniors centre air conditioning ($25,000)
• Library learning centre roof repairs ($12,000)
• Arena - dressing room flooring and partitions ($180,000)
• Arena header trench fitting replacement ($100,000)
• Arena exterior cameras ($7,000)
• Aquatic centre maintenance repairs ($730,000)
