PRINCE RUPERT, OCTOBER 28th, 2025 – The City of Prince Rupert has released its 2026 Draft Budget, presented to Council at last night’s Regular meeting, outlining the financial priorities and challenges for the year ahead. The proposed budget includes a draft 3.7% property tax increase (based on 2025 known property assessment values) in order to maintain existing services in the face of inflation and contractual obligations.
“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 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 enhancements to the Rotary Waterfront Park and Kwinitsa Station area in 2026. This project, undertaken in partnership with Gitxaała Nation is advancing designs developed in 2025 based on community input through the 2030 Redesign Rupert Vision process. 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.
Staff have prepared the current Budget with the intent to maintain existing service levels and minimize any potential tax increase. Through the Budget process, Council will have the opportunity to consider reducing service levels to limit the increase, increasing service levels or capital spending on projects not currently considered, as well as optional budget items such as requested increases to cash grants to community partners through the City’s Community Enhancement Grant program.
Residents are encouraged to review the 2026 Draft Budget and provide feedback through the City’s engagement channels ahead of Council’s budget deliberations later this Fall. There will be opportunities to engage in person at the events listed below, as well as in writing or online.
- November 10th, 7 pm at City Hall in Council Chambers– First in person Consultation Opportunity
- November 13th, 5-6 pm at the Raven Youth Lounge at the Recreation Complex (1000 McBride Street). Speak with staff at this casual opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions.
- November 24th, 7 pm at City Hall in Council Chambers– Second (and Final) in person Consultation Opportunity
- Open October 28th to November 14th - Budget Simulation software
- Provide written feedback or call in: email finance@princerupert.ca or call (250) 627 0914
Staff will review input and provide it to Council, with the intent to seek direction on the Budget for 2026 in December.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement & Social Development
City of Prince Rupert
Office: (250) 627 0976
Email:communications@princerupert.ca