Council reviews preliminary 2027 budget with 4.64% property tax increase

Council and its committees considered a range of financial, zoning and planning matters over the past two weeks, with the most significant discussion centered on a preliminary 2027 budget that projects a 4.64 per cent increase in the general property tax levy. No final decisions were made on the budget; the report was presented for information and direction only.

Preliminary budget projections

At the June 23 Committee of the Whole – Finance, Personnel and Administration meeting, members received a staff report outlining the 2027 financial outlook. The document estimates the city will need $1,065,495 in new revenue from property taxes, equivalent to an average increase of about $24.50 per home. The overall tax levy rise is driven by an estimated three per cent inflationary increase across departments and a one per cent allocation for asset management. Utility rates are also forecast to rise: sewer fees by 4.5 per cent ($8.84 per year for an average residence) and water fees by 3.5 per cent ($9.63 per year). The draft budget schedule pushes detailed deliberations to December 2026, after the municipal election, with adoption targeted for May 2027.

Data centre zoning

During the June 22 regular council meeting, a staff report on proposed zoning bylaw amendments to regulate data centres was tabled. The agenda also included the 2025 annual report, a Pacific Northern Gas delegation update and correspondence on North Central Government Association priorities. A portion of the meeting was held in closed session under freedom-of-information legislation. Minutes for the open portion were not yet published at the time of this report.

Arena wall repair and other business

The same June 22 council agenda included a staff report on repairing the east end wall of the Main Arena. No further details were provided in the agenda summary.

Restaurant facade improvements

On June 22, the Committee of the Whole – Development Services reviewed a development permit application for 3212 Kalum Street, the location of Don Diego’s Restaurant. The proposal calls for remediating water damage and updating the exterior with new cladding, paint and reconstructed canopies. Staff noted conditions requiring the applicant to carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance for the sidewalk canopies, post a $10,000 security deposit and install a three-stream waste collection enclosure.

Council pay review

A Council Remuneration Task Force met June 22 to review the tax implications of proposed pay adjustments for the incoming 2026 city council. The proposal includes a $6,000 raise for each of six councillors, a mayoral salary of $60,000, a new $15,000 professional development budget and a $50 monthly Wi‑Fi/phone stipend per member. No recommendation has yet been advanced to council.

Closed council session

A special council meeting on June 30 moved immediately into a closed session under the Community Charter. No public business was transacted.

Coming up

The Centennial Advisory Committee meets July 8. The agenda includes an update from the 100-Year Vision Specialist expected to cover federal grant applications, gateway sign designs and materials costs, possible murals on the Safeway building and Gobind Mall, a centennial logo contest at local schools closing this month, and planning for a Riverboat Days float and community choir concert.

Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.