Vancouver City Council has directed staff to prepare three potential property tax scenarios for the 2026 operating budget: a 0% increase, 1.5%, or 2.5%, plus an additional 1% dedicated to infrastructure renewal . This follows a 3.9% increase in 2025 and comes amid rising demands on frontline services and continued cost downloads from provincial and federal governments.

Mayor Ken Sim emphasized balancing fiscal responsibility with the public’s inability to absorb more financial burdens, noting the city faces a multi-billion-dollar budget and that staff are already deferring non-essential hiring and travel . However, some warn a larger increase—up to 7%—may be needed to maintain current service levels and address infrastructure deficits .

❓ Which option do you feel is most fair: a freeze, modest hike, or the full increase to cover costs and infrastructure?

🔗 https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-2026-property-tax-increase-budget-proposal