VANCOUVER City Council on Wednesday approved a motion from Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim that will see the City deliver a zero percent property tax increase for 2026. The motion directs City staff to protect core services while continuing to invest in Vancouver’s long-term infrastructure priorities.
The next municipal election takes place on October 17, 2026.
“Across Canada, families and businesses are facing growing uncertainty with rising costs putting pressure on household budgets,” said Sim. “This motion ensures that the City of Vancouver does its part to ease the burden on residents and businesses by finding efficiencies and managing taxpayer dollars more responsibly.”
As a result of the motion, City staff will prepare a 2026 budget that protects essential and core services including:
- Libraries
- Community centres
- Arts and culture / community grants
- Police, fire, and emergency services
- Road and sidewalk maintenance
- Garbage pickup
Earlier this year, City staff had recommended a property tax increase of 6-7% which included a 1% levy for infrastructure renewal. Following a thorough assessment of the City’s finances, Sim introduced a motion that would see no overall tax increase in 2026 while still maintaining the City’s ongoing infrastructure investments.
“We want to be exceptionally clear: zero means zero,” said Sim. “We’re maintaining vital investments in our City’s infrastructure, while giving families and local businesses the confidence they need heading into 2026.”
Prior to Sim and the ABC majority on Council being elected, the City faced depleted reserve funds and a growing infrastructure gap following years of deferred maintenance. Early in their term, Council chose to rebuild reserves, invest in infrastructure, and fully fund police and fire services for the first time in decades.
“Vancouver is now in a position to provide meaningful relief and stability to taxpayers without compromising the important services people rely on every day,” said Sim. “We are fundamentally changing the way we do things at City Hall and with this upcoming budget, we’ll show what’s possible when we stay focused. We’re proud to deliver a zero percent tax increase in 2026, and our goal is to continue this approach in the years ahead.”
To achieve the zero percent tax increase, City staff will identify approximately $120 million in cost savings under the newly appointed City Manager Donny van Dyk.
