Coquitlam approves 2026 budget, 3.37% property tax hike

Coquitlam's 2026 budget was approved by city council, leading to a 3.37 percent property tax increase to address affordability pressures while maintaining essential services. This increase means the average household will pay approximately $93 more per year in property taxes. When combined with utility fee hikes, the total annual increase for an average household is about $137. The city's official announcement of the budget approval occurred on December 9, 2025, following council's passing of the five-year financial plan bylaw on December 8, 2025.

The budget aims to fund investments in infrastructure such as roads, utilities, parks, and community facilities. Funding for these projects will come from a combination of property taxes, utility fees, development revenues, grants, and reserve funds. The city stated that efforts were made to limit the tax increase through cost-containment strategies, including reducing tax-funded capital allocations and optimizing interest income.

Financial challenges influencing the budget include construction costs rising at a rate of approximately 5 percent, which is higher than the general consumer inflation rate. Municipalities in the region, including Coquitlam, are also facing higher utility charges from Metro Vancouver. These regional utility fees are projected to rise significantly to cover the costs of major infrastructure projects, such as new sewage treatment plants.

A city report indicated that between 2021 and 2024, Coquitlam absorbed $37.6 million in costs for services that are typically provincial responsibilities. These include addressing gaps in services for homelessness, mental health, and community safety, as well as new requirements from provincial legislation. Organizations like the Union of B.C. Municipalities have noted that such downloading of costs strains local resources across the province. This has been a recurring theme, with Coquitlam's mayor, Richard Stewart, having previously expressed concerns about the impacts of provincial housing mandates on municipal infrastructure and finances.

Public feedback during the budget planning process, which took place from August 29 to September 14, 2025, identified affordability and reliable services as key priorities for residents and businesses. In response, the city has highlighted initiatives such as repurposing vacant staff positions and investing in long-term energy efficiency measures to limit the financial impact on taxpayers. The 2026 budget continues the city's focus on managing growth while addressing economic pressures, a strategy also reflected in the 2025 budget.