Overview

• The city’s budget outlook projects a 7% property tax increase to maintain current service levels and fund infrastructure upgrades.
• Council approved Ken Sim’s motion to explore ways to limit the hike to 2.5% or less, with instructions to also evaluate a zero-percent option.
• Independent Coun. Rebecca Bligh cautioned that reducing the increase to zero would require about $84 million in savings, sparking concerns over hidden service cuts.
• Sim cited economic uncertainty, including potential recession and tariff pressures, as justification for easing the tax burden on residents.
• The budget decision will shape Vancouver’s final pre-election fiscal plan ahead of the fall 2026 municipal vote.