Vancouver City Council has approved a motion to go forward with a zero per cent property tax increase for 2026.
The vote was fairly split, with councillors Rebecca Bligh, Pete Fry, Sean Orr, and Lucy Maloney voting against the motion.
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Many spoke on the motion at Vancouver City Hall, including the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), which was in favour, saying “72 per cent of Vancouver’s small businesses say taxes and regulatory fees are the main challenge to their business.”
“Across Canada, families and businesses are facing growing uncertainty with rising costs putting pressure on household budgets,” said Mayor Ken Sim in a statement, following the motion’s approval.
“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.”
When the motion was proposed, residents expressed concerns on social media about the potential for services to be cut. The City of Vancouver’s release addressed some of those concerns, suggesting that City staff will be preparing a budget designed around protecting core services, including:
- Libraries
- Community centres
- Arts & 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 six to seven per cent, which included a one per cent levy for infrastructure renewal,” the City’s statement said.
“Following a thorough assessment of the City’s finances, Mayor Sim introduced a motion that would see no overall tax increase in 2026 while still maintaining the City’s ongoing infrastructure investments.”
Sim also said, “We’re maintaining vital investments in our City’s infrastructure, while giving families and local businesses the confidence they need heading into 2026,” adding that this will provide financial relief to residents.
“Vancouver is now in a position to provide meaningful relief and stability to taxpayers without compromising the important services people rely on every day.”
Jane Talbot, president and CEO of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, applauded the move, saying, “A zero per cent property tax increase is welcome news for Yaletown’s small business community.”
“Our local shops, restaurants, and service providers are the heart of the neighbourhood, and this measure offers some much-needed stability as they continue to recover and reinvest in our city’s vibrancy,” Talbot added.
What are your thoughts on this bold Vancouver property tax move from the City and Mayor Sim?
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