MattersFinanceFirst seen Feb 11, 2026Last discussed Mar 17, 2026
2026 budget adjustments
The proposed 2026 budget included a 15.13% property-tax increase, and staff presented options to reduce it. Budget changes included cutting City Hall staffing costs, removing the e-bike program, deferring a garbage-can retrofit, reducing staff travel and training, and seeking more non-property-tax revenue.
Where it stands: Budget reductions and directions approved Mar 17, 2026; final plan decision is not shown.
Background
Earlier and later steps of the same initiative.
Dec 9, 2025
2026 budget tax options
Staff were asked to prepare 2026 budget options showing property-tax increases of 3%, 6%, 9% and 11%. Comparing these choices helps residents see different potential tax levels before the financial plan is set.
Feb 11, 2026
Options to reduce the 2026 tax increase
The options would lower the proposed 2026 tax increase to 11%, 9%, 6% or 3%. They give residents a range of possible tax-increase levels to consider alongside the proposed financial plan.
Feb 24, 2026 – Apr 7, 2026
2026–2030 financial plan
The amended budget sets a 10.47% proposed municipal property-tax increase for 2026 and funds City services and capital work. It includes funding for four additional RCMP officers, with two to be hired immediately, and shifts $155,000 to temporary power for Bear Mountain Parkway.
Mar 17, 2026
Public input on the 2026 budget
The City received 383 survey responses and other feedback on its proposed 2026–2030 Financial Plan. The input gives residents a way to raise questions and concerns about the City’s planned spending and revenues.
Timeline
Every time this matter appeared in council records, newest first.
Budget reductions and deferrals set to lower proposed tax increase
Council debated the 2026-2030 Financial Plan and approved a series of reductions, deferrals and directives to adjust the proposed tax increase and funding priorities.
Discussion
Extensive debate over how to reduce the proposed tax increase while protecting core services. Council approved targeted reductions (City Hall staffing reduction of $382,193), program removals/deferrals (e‑bike removed, Garbage Can Retrofit deferred to 2027), reductions to discretionary items (Royal Roads funding reduced to approx. $65k), transfers from Capital Works Reserve ($850,000) to cover debt servicing, and increases to non-property revenues ($300,000). Councillors recorded multiple amendments and recorded oppositions on several votes.
Decision: Deferred the Wayfinding strategy and signage to 2027.
Passed 6–1· Against: Keith Yacucha
Decision: Rejected removing the Placemaking Strategy from the 2026 budget.
Defeated 3–4· Against: Mary Wagner, Kimberley Guiry, Keith Yacucha, Lillian Szpak
Decision: Called a five-minute recess.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Proposed reducing City Hall staffing budget by $273,815 (later amended).
Decision: Proposed reducing Royal Roads Innovative Studio funding by $75,000 (later amended).
Decision: Directed staff to revisit the 2024 organizational review and present updated priority staffing recommendations.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Removed the E-bike program from the 2026 budget.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Approved a transfer of $850,000 from Capital Works Reserve to cover 2026 debt servicing.
Passed 4–3· Against: Mary Wagner, Kimberley Guiry, Lillian Szpak
Decision: Amended the Staff Travel and Training reduction to $120,000.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Amended the City Hall staffing reduction to $382,193.
Passed
Decision: Directed staff to reduce City Hall staffing budget by $382,193.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Extended the meeting until 11:00 pm.
Passed
Decision: Deferred Garbage Can Retrofit to 2027.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Proposed removing Garbage Can Retrofit from the 2026 budget (later amended to defer to 2027).
Decision: Deferred the Garbage Can Retrofit to 2027.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Directed staff to increase non-property tax revenues by $300,000 for 2026.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Proposed reducing Staff Travel and Training by $160,000 (later amended).
Decision: Rejected a proposed City Hall staffing reduction of $528,372.
Defeated 3–4· Against: Scott Goodmanson, Mary Wagner, Kimberley Guiry, Lillian Szpak
Decision: Directed staff to reduce Staff Travel and Training by $120,000 for 2026.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Amended the Royal Roads funding reduction to about $65,000 to be confirmed.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Directed staff to reduce Royal Roads Innovative Studio funding by approximately $65,000, to be confirmed.
Passed 7–0
Staff presented the proposed 2026–2030 Financial Plan (proposed 2026 tax increase 15.13%) and a menu of reduction options to lower the 2026 tax increase to 11%, 9%, 6% or 3%.