Vancouver City Council approves 2026 Budget with 0% property tax increase
Today, Vancouver City Council approved the City’s 2026 Budget, which includes a 0% property tax increase while prioritizing frontline services and continuing planned investments in critical City infrastructure.
The approved 2026 Operating Budget is $2.39 billion. The budget delivers a balanced plan with a 0% property tax increase while prioritizing frontline services such as public safety, road maintenance, arts and community grants, and library hours. Recreation costs at community centres — including admission, passes, programs and permits — will also stay the same in 2026 with no fee increases. The approved budget includes $120 million in savings through efficiencies and new revenue opportunities and continues to invest in infrastructure renewal and long-term priorities that support a livable city.
The approved 2026 Capital Budget supports the delivery of initiatives as outlined in the $3.96 billion 2023-2026 Capital Plan. In 2026, City will be advancing $698 million funding in new investments, with the corresponding 2026 Capital Expenditure Budget to be $894 million. Notable capital projects include the renewal and expansion of the PNE Amphitheatre, seismic upgrades to the Cambie Bridge, construction of the new Marpole Community Centre and ongoing programs such as sewer main renewal, fleet replacement and capital grants.
Projected average annual increases
About half of the total amount of charges on a property tax notice goes to the City of Vancouver, with the remainder going to Provincial school taxes and levies from other authorities such as TransLink, Metro Vancouver, BC Assessment and the Municipal Finance Authority.
In 2026 Utility fees, including solid waste, water, and sewer, will increase by an average of 4.2% to fund the replacement of aging infrastructure and address rising Metro Vancouver water and sewer levies.
Utility fees will also see no increases for City-operated system costs. The overall 4.2% increase in utility charges is driven by the City’s continued investment in replacement of aging infrastructure and rising Metro Vancouver water and sewer levies. The 4.2% increase in utility fees results in the following average annual increases in the City utility bill for 2026:
- $107 increase for a single-family home
- $104 increase for a business property
The actual utility bill for each property owner will differ from the above average amounts and will depend on the services and usage at each property.
Background
On November 12, 2025, the Proposed 2026 Budget was presented to Council for information as a starting point for discussion with Council to help align the multi-year planning with Council’s priorities.
On November 25, 2025, Council approved the 2026 Operating and Capital budgets.
The updated final budget documents will be made available in early 2026 at vancouver.ca/2026-budget.