Port Moody invites feedback on proposed 8.65 percent tax increase in 2026 budget survey

The City of Port Moody is asking residents and businesses how it should balance rising service costs and tax rates as part of public consultation on its proposed 2026 budget.

The annual online budget survey was launched on Oct. 27, inviting community feedback ahead of council’s final budget deliberations later this fall. Paper copies are available at city hall until Nov. 14, while the online version closes Nov. 16.

Results will be presented to council on Nov. 18 before the provisional financial plan is adopted in December.

Under the draft plan, the city proposes to collect $67.5 million in property taxes – about $5.67 million more than in 2025 – to balance its books. That translates to a proposed 8.65 per cent tax rate increase, or roughly $270 more for the average household next year, equivalent to about $5.19 per week. The exact increase will depend on property assessments from BC Assessment.

City officials say the higher revenues are needed to offset growing costs related to wages, benefits, insurance, and infrastructure renewal.

“We want to hear how residents think we should balance the costs of maintaining service levels with the need to keep taxes affordable,” the city stated in its release.

The proposed financial plan outlines both operating and capital budgets. Operating costs cover day-to-day services, while the capital budget funds longer-term infrastructure projects.

Among the major capital projects included in the draft 2026–2030 Financial Plan are:

• Sewer Capital Infrastructure Program and Water Network Asset Renewal Program;
• Storm drainage upgrades in Moody Centre;
• Road reconstruction on Falcon Drive and McGill Drive;
• Ioco Road rehabilitation tied to utility upgrades;
• Boiler replacement with air-to-water heat pumps at Inlet Centre Firehall; and
• Fleet renewals, including a garbage truck, street sweeper, and tandem-axle dump truck used for snow plowing.

These projects together represent nearly 46 per cent of the proposed $27 million capital budget, according to the city. Council is expected to give final approval to the 2026 budget in April 2026, after updated assessment data is received from BC Assessment and the province. By law, all municipalities must set their property tax rates by May 15.

Residents can review background materials, ask questions, and complete the survey at engage.portmoody.ca.