Knack staying ‘realistic’ about Edmonton’s $1.5B infrastructure deficit ahead of provincial budget

Mayor Andrew Knack said while he wants more infrastructure funding from the province in this year's budget, he knows he needs to be realistic.

Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack says he has a wishlist ahead of the provincial budget dropping on Thursday, but he’s trying to stay “realistic” about what the city will actually get.

“There’s what I would wish for, which is substantially more infrastructure funding,” he said in an interview Monday.

“For being realistic, I don’t think we’re going to see that. We’re hearing there’s probably some significant budget challenges ahead for the provincial government.”

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has warned the province to brace for multi-billion-dollar deficits ahead of the 2026 budget, which is to be tabled on Thursday.

Knack said he’s aware many municipalities across the province are looking to address similar structural challenges, and Edmonton is no different in its need for “strategic and targeted investment” from the province.

Knack said Edmonton’s infrastructure deficit falls at around $1.5 billion. He said those repairs won’t be solved within the city’s next four-year budget.

“So where the province can provide some strategic and targeted investment to help us close that gap, I think that’s going to be important.”

Rural municipalities across the province have said they’re facing a collective $25-billion infrastructure funding deficit, the likes of which cannot be completely covered by increased property taxes.

Knack said Edmonton’s plan is to look at federal investments in “dual-use infrastructure,” otherwise known as projects that are important to the federal government that could also feasibly improve Edmonton’s repair needs.

He used the example of getting federal investment to establish Edmonton as a defence-related hub.

“Maybe that (means) improving a transportation corridor to ensure good movement to and from our military bases,” he said. “Those are the types of ideas and creative solutions we’re going to need to approach throughout 2026.”

Knack said the city would have to look to manage its existing infrastructure inventory and focus on renewal, with limited growth, unless it’s able to find partnerships for financial support.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Nicole Weisberg