Council received the proposed 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets, and approved tax rate increases, at the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026.
The approved tax rate includes a 2.43% Operating Levy increase and a 1% Asset Levy increase. These decisions reflect months of work by Council and staff, informed by public input and guided by community priorities.
The 2026 budget balances affordability pressures with the need to maintain core services and manage financial risk. It includes a combination of cost savings and one-time strategies, such as reduced contributions to reserves and limited one-time reserve drawdowns. These measures are intended to address cost pressures while staff continue work on more sustainable, long-term funding approaches.
Following public engagement (January 7 to 21, 2026), Council also directed staff to remove a proposed $400,000 reduction to the Environmental Reserve transfer and to report back with an alternative strategy.
Staff will now finalize the 2026–2030 Five-Year Financial Plan for Council consideration on February 23, 2026. The five-year plan outlines anticipated revenues, expenditures, and capital investments, and is updated annually to reflect changing conditions, emerging priorities, and Council direction.
All budget documents, background information, and engagement materials are available on the District’s website: 2026 Budget | westvancouverite