The City of Prince Rupert has released a first draft of its 2026 budget, which was presented at Monday’s regular council meeting.
The budget draft outlines the city’s financial priorities along with challenges it may face in the upcoming years. In order to maintain all existing services, the 2026 budget has included a 3.7 per cent increase to property taxes, which was based on 2025 property assessment values. The city has received several grants, which will help fund its projects, said Mayor Herb Pond.
“Like many local governments, we’re navigating higher costs for core services and infrastructure. The good news is we have been incredibly successful in achieving grants and have an aggressive capital program to show for it. Our focus for 2026 is continuing to renew failing infrastructure and holding fast on service levels that residents expect from us.”
The budget will include a continuation of funds being allocated for the BIG project to replace failing infrastructure, the implementation of leachate treatment at the landfill and the development of an additional chlorination station to enhance water quality. Some other allocations of city funds are towards a debt repayment, which was acquired to fund the development of the new RCMP station, enhancements to civic spaces such as the Rotary Waterfront Park and maintenance to the Digby Island side of the airport ferry docks.
Residents are encouraged to review the draft budget and give the city feedback through several in-person consultations on Nov. 10, 13 and 24. The budget along with the locations of the consultations can be found at princerupert.ca.
