For Immediate Release
March 26, 2025
SWIFT CURRENT, SK – Swift Current City Council approved the 2025 Municipal Budget on the recommendation of Mayor Al Bridal during a special meeting of Council on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
The 2025 Budget comes in at $101,545,145 with $75,640,545 making up Operating & Utility Expenses and $25,904,600 comprising Capital Expenditures; of which $14.9 million is allotted for capital projects that are dependent on receiving grant funding to proceed.
The Aquatic Centre accounted for $2.1 million in the Capital Budget for repairs to keep it operating while the City works toward building a new facility. To that end, the City has introduced a Recreation Levy in the amount of $140 per property per year, or just over $11 per month. Mayor Al Bridal explained that the evidence is overwhelming that targeted funding is required, dedicated to delivering a new pool for the community. “It is critical to take action – you know they say the best time to plant a tree is ten years ago, and the second-best time is today. That analogy certainly applies here.”
Capital maintenance at City facilities and rehabilitation programs such as streets, sidewalk and curbing, storm sewers and waterworks created the remaining bulk of capital projects. Other projects that were identified included an improvement to a downtown intersection, and roofing rehabilitations for several buildings.
The Operating budget held the line for the essentials, and deliverable service standards. However, some unavoidable cost increases applied budgetary pressures such as policing contracts, wage increases, software subscriptions, utilities, and fuel costs. Regarding those factors, Mayor Bridal said, “The cost of doing business has increased with inflation, and the municipal business is no exception; […we are] maintaining our reliable service level while continually determining what we can change or reduce to keep it affordable, predictable, and comfortable.”
The City of Swift Current is requesting a 2.71% property tax increase in 2025.
During his address to the public and Council, Mayor Bridal described what motivated Council and Administration in this budget process. “There is significant uncertainty in the world right now […] - our certainties [became] evident in contrast. When things seem unsettling on a global scale, we tend to look more closely and cling more tightly to what we hold most dear – that’s a natural, protective response that will tell you a story of what you value […] as we discussed and considered what we and our citizens treasure most, it has become abundantly clear that we truly love our way of life in our community.”
“What makes living here so ideal, is the common ground we share – the comfort in our ordinary day-to-day pursuits that make our community feel alive and healthy, brimming with things to do. Your City Council is committed to protecting the stable, tried and true way of life we all love and providing further opportunities to deepen that important sense of belonging and enjoyment, while maintaining affordability for our people. That is why, when it comes to determining where taxpayer dollars should be directed, our mandate was clear – we are united in Delivering What Matters.”
View the detailed 2025 Municipal Budget online at: www.swiftcurrent.ca/budget.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Rri Branconnier-Bye or Kayla Gaetz
Communications & Stakeholder Relations Coordinator
City of Swift Current
comms@swiftcurrent.ca
