MattersFinanceFirst seen Dec 9, 2025Last discussed Feb 11, 2026
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.
Where it stands: Staff directed to prepare tax-increase options Dec 9, 2025.
Background
Earlier and later steps of the same initiative.
Feb 11, 2026
2026–2030 financial plan and tax options
A presentation concerns the proposed 2026–2030 financial plan and options for reducing the proposed 2026 tax increase. The options matter because they show alternatives for the city’s budget and the tax increase residents may face.
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.
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.
Timeline
Every time this matter appeared in council records, newest first.
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%.
Staff directed to prepare four tax-increase options
Committee directed staff to present multiple percentage options for the 2026 tax increase when preparing the Preliminary Draft 2026-2030 Financial Plan.
Decision: Approved adding an 11% tax option.
Passed 5–2· Against: Colby Harder, Keith Yacucha
Decision: Directed staff to present 3%, 6%, 9% and 11% tax options.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Directed staff to provide 3%, 6% and 9% tax options in Preliminary 2026-2030 financial plan.