Posted on: December 12, 2023 Beaumont’s budget for 2024 greatly expands transit service to Edmonton, creates additional child care spaces, and enhances recreation opportunities and the enjoyment of city parks for residents. “This budget provides a much-needed, bonafide transit service for our residents. Post-secondary students will be able to get to their classes and commuters won’t have to worry about missing the last bus on nights they need to stay at work late,” Mayor Bill Daneluik said following Council’s approval of the budget Tuesday evening. “We’re the fastest growing community in the region with a very young population. The service enhancements and capital investments we’re making in 2024 support the well-being, safety, and economic prosperity of our community and residents.” Beginning in spring 2024, transit service between Beaumont and the Mill Woods Transit Centre will be expanded with regular weekday trips every 40 minutes between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend service will also be added with regular trips every 40 minutes between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (A detailed schedule will be available prior to the service expansion.) The 2024 budget also provides funding for: A position to consolidate and standardize city purchasing to enhance value for taxpayer dollars on major procurements 10 new spaces for the Early Learning Child Care centre Expanding the Beaumont Library’s collection, along with outreach, partnerships and new student page positions. Additional traffic safety measures, particularly at crosswalks More benches and garbage cans in parks Determining costs for a cricket pitch and three single-hoop basketball courts, along with design work, site selection, and engagement with residents Funding for the Beaumont and District Heritage Society to complete restoration of the St. Jacques Heritage House at 49 Street and 31 Avenue. With the approved tax levy increase of 6.45 per cent, the owner of a typical home assessed at $447,000 will pay $195.69 a year – $16.31 per month – more for municipal property taxes in 2024. The increase reflects inflation pressures (particularly for fuel, utilities, and overall policing costs), previous Council decisions (including adding two new RCMP officers and enhancing customer service), and service enhancements including transit. Utilities will increase $14.89 per month for the typical home, reflecting the costs of maintaining services and growth pressures. There were no changes to franchise fee rates on electricity or natural gas. Visit the City of Beaumont’s website for more 2024 budget details. Media contact:Mike BerezowskyDirector, Communications780-243-0458