The provisional budget has successfully undergone three readings, establishing user rates for 2026. This plan is closely aligned with the ambitious goals outlined in the City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined.
Summary of Developments
During their meeting on December 15, 2025, the Nanaimo City Council approved the first three readings of the City’s Provisional Financial Plan for the years 2026 through 2030. This comprehensive plan aims to enhance services and infrastructure to better serve a rapidly growing population of over 100,000, managing assets worth more than $4.8 billion (as of 2021). Below are some key highlights of the plan:
A Green Nanaimo – Resilient and Regenerative Ecosystems
- The project for improving dehumidification at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre aims to upgrade aging infrastructure while integrating features designed to significantly cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Ongoing financial commitment towards climate action initiatives will include projects like Building Benchmarking, the Cool It! Program, and the Community Environmental Sustainability Project Grant Program.
A Connected Nanaimo – Equitable Access & Mobility
- Significant investments are being made to enhance a transportation network that is inclusive and accessible. This includes increased funding for active transportation projects, secure bicycle parking facilities, and improvements for pedestrians such as new sidewalks, flashers, and audible signals.
A Healthy Nanaimo – Community Wellbeing & Livability
- The city remains committed to public safety, planning to add four Community Safety Officers and phase in twelve new RCMP members over the next three years (2025 to 2027).
- Continuing the funding for the LEAP program, which ensures that children, youth, and families have equitable access to recreational programs and facilities.
- Investment in the renewal and construction of recreational amenities, which will include new restroom facilities at Maffeo Sutton Park, further enhancements at Westwood Lake Park (Phase 3), and the development of new amenities at Loudon Park, alongside ongoing investment in the Stadium District.
An Empowered Nanaimo – Reconciliation, Representation & Inclusion
- There will be financial support for arts and culture, including operating grants aimed at cultural venues, as well as funding for the Temporary Public Art Program and installations across various parks including the Stadium District, Colliery Dam Park, Mansfield Park, and Harewood Park.
- Continued backing for events that honor National Indigenous Peoples Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
A Prosperous Nanaimo – Thriving & Resilient Economy
- The budget continues to allocate funds to both the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation and Tourism Nanaimo.
- Investment will also focus on developing a multi-year technology roadmap and a digital strategy to promote the safe and efficient adoption of new technologies, which will help streamline city operations.
Details of the 2026 Provisional Budget
The proposed budget includes several key changes:
- A property tax increase of 6.3%, which includes a one percent allocation for the General Asset Management Reserve. For an average household with an assessed value of $787,743, this translates to an additional $195.
- Water user fees will increase by five percent, amounting to an additional $26.
- Sewer user fees will see a four percent rise, adding $6 to bills.
- Solid waste user fees will increase by five percent, resulting in an extra $12.
In total, this means an annual increase of $239, or approximately $19.92 per month, for the average household in terms of taxes and fees.
City Council will have the chance to review and modify the Financial Plan in April 2026 before the final adoption of the 2026 Property Tax Rates Bylaw. For further information regarding the 2026-2030 Provisional Financial Plan, you can visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/budget.
Strategic Goals
The 2026-2030 Provisional Financial Plan supports the City's journey towards fulfilling the five primary goals laid out in the City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined.
Key Points to Consider
- The revenue generated through property taxes and user fees is essential for funding projects and initiatives that enhance the livability, environmental sustainability, and opportunities within Nanaimo, benefiting all community members across generations.
- The financial planning process is directed by policies and strategies such as the Council's Strategic Framework, City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined, and the 20-Year Investment Plan and Asset Management Plan Update.
- It's important to note that budget figures are based on estimates and will be finalized in the upcoming year when actual revenues and expenditures are confirmed. The projected tax increase pertains solely to the municipal share; the City also collects taxes for other entities including the school board, hospitals, the Vancouver Island Regional Library, and the Nanaimo Regional District, each of which establishes its own budgets.
Quotes from Leadership
"This financial plan illustrates the Council’s dedication to fostering a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Nanaimo. By channeling resources into vital services, infrastructure, and community programs, we aim to ensure that our city of over 110,000 residents not only remains a wonderful place to live, work, and play today, but also for the generations to come."
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Print News Release can be found here.
Are you excited about these developments in Nanaimo? What aspects do you believe will have the greatest impact on our community? Let's discuss your thoughts in the comments!
