PRINCE RUPERT, APRIL 29th, 2026 – Council passed the final Budget and Tax Rate Bylaws at the meeting of April 27th. The budget has held fast the draft 3.7% property tax increase originally proposed in the Fall. This is the increase required in order to maintain existing services in the face of inflation and contractual obligations. Despite overages in this year’s snow removal budget, as well as increases to major capital projects like the 2nd Avenue Bridge above what was initially anticipated, the City has been able to redirect new revenues to those overages to keep the proposed increase the same.
“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,” said Mayor Herb Pond. “Our focus for 2026 is continuing to renew failing infrastructure, holding fast on service levels that residents expect from us.”
The City’s 2026 financial plan has a substantial capital program, including significant required upgrades to the 2nd Avenue Bridge, continuation of the BIG Project to replace failing water and sewer lines, implementation of improvements to leachate treatment at the landfill, development of an additional chlorination station to enhance water quality, and phasing of wastewater treatment through small-scale wetland systems planned within the community as well as required outfall works. The budget also includes repayment of the debt acquired to develop the RCMP station, at no additional cost to tax payers thanks to revenues set aside in previous years. We are also continuing to work on engineered designs for water treatment, and the replacement of the submarine water line that carries water to our community from our remote water supply beneath the harbour.
Alongside generational investments in local infrastructure, residents will begin to see visible enhancements to civic spaces in 2026 funded primarily by grants. This includes finalizing the design for enhancements to the Rotary Waterfront Park and Kwinitsa Station area in 2026, with construction anticipated in 2027.
In addition, there will be replacement of the playground surfacing at Mariners park, and continued development of the memorial plaza area to renew the existing memorial walls, develop a new space to pay tribute to Japanese Canadians that were forcibly removed from the community in WWII, and enhance the overall accessibility of this central park space.
Keep an eye out for project updates on this and other initiatives through our website, Annual Report and Annual Public Meeting, social media, as well as the new paper newsletter delivered to households.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement & Social Development
City of Prince Rupert
Office: (250) 627 0976
Email: communications@princerupert.ca