TAMRMS#: B05
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BUDGET INFORMATION REQUEST (BIR) - Subsidy Program
Requested by: Councillor Hughes
Date of Request: November 17, 2025
Date Response Due: November 21, 2025
Confidential: No
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QUESTION
recommendation
Please provide an update to the Subsidy Program, with if any changes have been implemented. Also, please provide the amount the taxpayers are funding to provide subsidies to city programs, and which programs (with the amounts) are being subsidized, including transit.
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RESPONSE
The City of St. Albert Subsidy Program, governed by Council Policy C-CS-18 Recreation & Culture Subsidy Program, helps remove financial barriers for low-income residents by providing affordable access to recreation facilities, recreation and cultural programs, and transit services.
Although the City continues to offer subsidy support, the program is designed so that it has no tax impact on residents. The cost of the subsidy is fully offset by matching revenue. When a subsidy is provided (e.g., for Recreation or Transit) to a resident, a full amount of the program revenue is recorded in the department providing the service and the offsetting subsidy expense reflected within the Community Services budget. These two transactions offset each other, resulting in a net-zero impact on the City’s budget.
For 2026, no changes have been made to the Subsidy Program, other than a reduction to the transit subsidy budget due to the transition to ARC Cards in 2025.
Subsidy Program Budget: Low-income access to recreation facilities and programs
|
2024 Budget |
2024 Actuals |
2025 Budget |
2025 Actuals (as of Oct 30) |
2025 Forecast |
2026 Budget |
|
$247,800 |
$309,471 |
$247,800 |
$224,800 |
$247,800 |
$247,800 |
Subsidy Program Budget: AISH recipients access to Transit Services
|
2024 Budget |
2024 Actuals |
2025 Budget |
2025 Actuals (as of Oct 30) |
2025 Forecast |
2026 Budget |
|
$61,200 |
$51,800 |
$61,200 |
$3,100 |
$5,000 |
$36,200 |
To note: the subsidized transit ridership in 2025 is consistent with previous years, but reported differently than previous years, but consistent with Smartfare reporting.
What is Covered by the Subsidy Program
Recreation:
• Free 6-month membership at Servus Credit Union Place or Fountain Park Recreation Centre
OR
o 60% discount on an annual membership at Servus Place
• Up to $150 per child for registered programs offered by the City, including camps, swimming and skating lessons, and performing arts programs.
Transit:
• A free All Aboard Local Transit Pass
OR
o A discounted All Aboard Commuter Transit Pass (approximately 35% off the cost of an Adult Commuter pass)
Subsidy Program Review
Administration is currently reviewing accounting practices for the City’s subsidy program to ensure consistency, identify efficiencies, and align with accounting standards. The review will provide recommendations for Council consideration in early 2026.
Regardless of the accounting approach approved, the net impact on taxpayers and the City remains net zero and unchanged.
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Report Date: November 19, 2025
Author(s): Jennifer McCullough
Department: Community Services
Department Director: Elizabeth Budd
Managing Director: Dinu Alex
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher