Affordability and fiscal responsibility remain top priorities as Council maintains core services and advances strategic investments in community safety and infrastructure.
The City of Campbell River has finalized its 2026-2035 Financial Plan, following budget deliberations on December 3, 2025. The proposed 2026 Budget features a 2.7 per cent property tax increase, approximately $5 per month or $60 annually for the average family home. Utility fees will increase by approximately $65 per year. These moderate increases reflect Council’s commitment to balancing affordability with long-term financial stability.
Highlights
The 2026 Budget upholds the City’s core financial principles, focusing on essential services, prudent stewardship, and strategic investments in community safety and infrastructure. Despite ongoing economic pressures—including inflation, contractual obligations outside the City’s control, and the downloading of costs from other levels of government—Council prioritized maintaining service levels and advancing key projects, while keeping the tax increase moderate at 2.7 per cent. Contractual commitments, such as wage and benefit increases and the RCMP agreement, accounted for much of the upward pressure (2.51 per cent or $1,107,000 for wages and benefits and 1.81 per cent or $796,000 for the RCMP agreement), but cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies helped offset these expenses.
Guided by Council’s Strategic Priorities and shaped by rigorous internal review and community feedback—including input from the bi-annual Citizen Satisfaction Survey, local groups, and residents throughout the year—the budget balances immediate affordability needs with long-term financial stability. By exploring alternative revenue sources and managing risks, the City remains committed to delivering essential services and investing in infrastructure, while demonstrating prudent financial stewardship. The budget ensures the delivery of essential services and includes planning and infrastructure projects to accommodate growth.
Major Investments
- Over $83 million in capital projects, including:
o Erickson Road Renewal ($10 million)
o John Hart Reservoir ($14.4 million)
o Nunns Creek Park Enhancements ($6.6 million, grant funded)
o Campbellton Sewer Upgrade ($2.8 million)
o Reimagine the Row ($1.6 million)
o Sewer and Watermain Replacement ($4.8 million) - $7.95 million in operating projects, including:
o CR Live Streets ($209,000)
o Culture and Events Specialist ($120,000)
o Downtown Cleanliness Program ($249,000)
o Community Safety Enhancements, increased bylaw enforcement coverage with longer hours ($767,000)
o Temporary Overnight Sheltering ($200,000)
o Community Grants ($150,000)
Approximately $440,000, equivalent to a 1 per cent tax increase, was approved to support critical community infrastructure renewal and replacement, ensuring the City safeguards assets while planning responsibly for the future.
“Acknowledging the tough economic times that we find ourselves in, I am incredibly proud of all involved in this year’s budget and 2.7 per cent tax increase,” says Mayor Kermit Dahl. “Council has stayed true to our strategic priorities, keeping our tax increase lower than many other B.C. municipalities and maintaining comparatively low taxes overall. At the same time, we’re increasing investment in vital infrastructure and seeing major projects—like Erickson Road, Nunns Creek Park, and Reimagine the Row—come to life. Thanks to Council and staff for their dedication in delivering a balanced plan that supports affordability, community safety, and long-term growth for Campbell River.”
“Achieving this budget amid current challenges and contractually committed increases is a testament to Council, staff, and the community,” says Alaina Maher, Director of Financial Services. “The 2026 Budget prioritizes affordability while upholding the City’s core financial principles. We’ve balanced immediate affordability needs with long-term financial stability. The plan remains flexible, manages cost pressures, and advances operational efficiencies, all while mitigating potential risks. These measures support livability and the delivery of essential services and demonstrate prudent financial stewardship during a period of heightened affordability concerns. Staff will continue to look for ways to grow revenues and balance fiscal responsibility, efficiencies, and investment.”
Next Steps
The 2026-2035 Financial Plan is approved in principal and will be considered for three readings and adoption at a Council meeting in the coming weeks.
Learn More
Watch the financial planning deliberations at campbellriver.ca/webcasts.