Council Approves the 2026 Budget with a Focus on Maintaining Existing Service Levels
Council Approves the 2026 Budget with a Focus on Maintaining Existing Service Levels
Council Approves the 2026 Budget with a Focus on Maintaining Existing Service Levels
PITT MEADOWS, B.C. – Council has endorsed the City’s 2026 budget of $63.7 million, which includes an annual property tax increase of $181.
“We worked diligently to endorse a responsible budget that ensures residents are getting a cost effective and balanced budget that provides the same service levels as last year while being responsive to the main cost pressures,” says Mayor Nicole MacDonald. “The City’s 2026 budget will fund climate initiatives and recreational spaces that promote our community’s well-being while continuing to prioritize essential services like RCMP, fire and rescue services, and public utilities.”
Using the average assessed value approach, the City’s property taxes and utility fees continue to be favourable compared to other municipalities in the region. In 2025, the City was the lowest and is projected to be similar in 2026. Based on the 2025 average assessed value of residential properties ($1.18 million for the single-family home), Pitt Meadows homeowners can expect a property tax and utility fee increase of approximately $26 per month or $318 annually. This annual increase is comprised of $181 in property taxes and $137 in utility fees.
“When we compare Pitt Meadows to other municipalities in the region, Pitt Meadows has the largest dedicated agricultural land reserve area than any other at 78 per cent,” says Mayor MacDonald. “Therefore, despite the fact that only 22 per cent of land in in the community can be densified to broaden the taxbase, I’m proud to say that Pitt Meadows continues to provide some of the lowest average property taxes in the region.”
To see the breakdown of the $318 property tax and utility fees increase, visit pittmeadow.ca/budget-2026.
Main cost pressures in the 2026 Budget:
The City’s 2026 budget is shaped by a combination of internal and external cost pressures. While Asset Management savings targets result in a property tax increase now, these savings will help reduce the overall impact on taxpayers in the future. Rising external service and partner fees—including Metro Vancouver utility charges and increased costs for RCMP and Library services—continue to influence the City’s budget. In addition, municipal operating costs are affected by inflation, labour agreements, and higher contract pricing, while utility operating costs reflect Metro Vancouver service rate increases and the ongoing need to maintain the City’s utilities. Together, these factors contribute to the City’s property tax and utility fee requirements as we work to maintain essential services, invest in infrastructure, and ensure long-term financial stability.
“The 2026 Budget prioritizes the City’s key strategic priorities regarding public safety and essential services, while ensuring we are meeting our asset replacement savings targets for future infrastructure needs including roads, buildings, pump stations and more,” says Chief Financial Officer Laura Barroetavena. “While some costs related to service partners and inflation cannot be controlled by the City, staff and Council have worked hard to revise the budget from its first iteration by approximately $700,000 to arrive at this approved budget that minimizes the financial impact to taxpayers while maintaining service levels in Pitt Meadows.”
2026 Capital Projects
The City’s total 2026 capital expenditures is valued at $21.1 million, with the majority of the program funding coming from reserve savings and supplemented by grant funding. Some of the significant projects planned include:
- Pitt Meadows Athletic Park double artificial turf (deferred from 2025)
- Pitt Meadows Athletic Park covered multi-sports box (deferred from 2025)
- Kennedy Pump Station replacement
- Water main replacements at 188 Ave, 189B St, 120 B Ave, 119B St, 190St, Harris Rd and Advent Rd
- Fraser Dike Road extension, new multi-use path, and dike upgrade
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system replacement readiness and procurement planning
See the full list of capital projects by department in the proposed business plans at pittmeadow.ca/budget-2026.
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Watch the recording of the 2026 Budget Deliberations from the December 9 Public Council Meeting.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of the 2026 Budget, watch the department business plan presentations from November 24 and 25 and the budget deliberations on December 9 at pittmeadows.ca/council-meetings.
To learn more about the 2026 Budget and what is included in the City’s department business plans, visit pittmeadow.ca/budget-2026.
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For more information please contact:
Tia O’Grady
Manager of Communications and Civic Engagement
City of Pitt Meadows
