The City of Maple Ridge is pursuing an operating budget with a 3.5-per-cent tax increase for 2026.
That’s well down from the 6.3 per cent called for in the city’s 2025-2029 financial plan, approved by council last year. At budget meetings on Dec. 8 and 15, councillors spoke about keeping the increase low during tough economic times.
“It’s a tough year for sure, for everybody, we’ve had some unusually high increases in costs,” said Coun. Korleen Carreras.
“Every city has borne that over the last few years, and we’re doing our best to recognize the affordability that families are also being squeezed with,” she added.
“I think it’s important the public understand that staff have done a really good job of going through everything with a fine-tooth comb.”
City staff reported they have been working to identify one-time and ongoing savings, and found a pathway for the city to absorb all non-discretionary expense increases for 2026, while still delivering services at a targeted property tax increase of not greater than 3.5 per cent. That requires reducing spending by $3.2 million.
Some of the measures listed are reductions in software and software maintenance, reduced consultants budgets, savings from police service reductions and more.
Mayor Dan Ruimy said the budget decisions were made without jeopardizing council’s objectives.
“What is needed to continue moving forward. Where can we take a step back without jeopardizing our strategic priorities,” he said. “I’m excited to see our projects continue to move forward.”
Last year’s budget increase was 4.9 per cent, so 3.5 per cent would be the lowest in the four-year term of Ruimy’s council.
City CAO Scott Hartman explained inflation, economic uncertainty created by U.S. tariffs, and regulatory changes all bring uncertainty to the budget process.
The proposed capital project allocations total a financial impact of $116 million in 2026, and $432 million between 2026-2030.
This year these include a $35-million fire services building for Hall 3, $12 million for parks, $15 million for sewage infrastructure, and $6.6 million for water infrastructure.
Council approved a list of one-time decision packages totalling $1.6 million. This included $350,000 for the Our Neck of the Woods Festival, $96,000 for World Cup public screenings, $220,000 for mobile stage operations at events, $200,000 for a natural asset inventory, and $150,000 for community evacuation plans for neighbourhoods at risk of floods and wildfires.
The budget will be back before council in early 2026.
Meanwhile, the City of Pitt Meadows recently endorsed a city budget with a 6.5-per-cent increase, for an increase of $318 per year for property taxes and utilities for the average home.
READ ALSO: Pitt Meadows council approves 2026 budget