Wheatland advances $5.5-million bridge borrowing proposal

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County council has given first reading to a proposal to borrow up to $5.5 million for four bridge projects, following unsuccessful applications for provincial funding.

The Oct. 20 vote moves the borrowing bylaw forward but does not give it final approval.

Administration said two of the projects had not received Strategic Transportation Infrastructure 

Program funding in 2025 and two had been unsuccessful in 2026.

The borrowing would partly restore money already taken from county reserves and help cover remaining construction costs.

“The $5.5 million debt covers it repays about 2.7 million in reserves that’s already spent on these bridge files to date,” Joel Chiasson Manger of Financial Services told council.

A financing illustration in the agenda package estimates annual payments of $351,441 over 30 years, with approximately $5 million in total interest.

The report compares the annual payment with roughly one per cent of property-tax revenue.  That comparison does not establish a one per cent tax increase.

Councillors questioned both the amount and timing of the proposed borrowing. Some wanted a fuller picture of county finances before taking on debt, while discussion also raised the possibility of a shorter repayment period.

Administration said the proposed amount would give council room to replenish reserves while completing the bridge work. Staff also explained that the county could ultimately borrow less than the bylaw’s maximum.

“Budget time is here. We got to get going,” Coun. Glenn Koester said during the discussion.

Administration told council that advertising and a petition period would follow first reading before the bylaw returned for further consideration.

The final borrowing amount and financing terms remain to be settled.