Budget & Finance

September 28 - Budget Kickoff

The City determines its annual budget through multiple meetings of City Council between September and November. Municipal budgets follow the calendar year, running from January to December.

This will be the first budget prepared by the current City Council, elected during the 2026 municipal elections. It is also the first budget cycle since the Government of New Brunswick introduced property tax reform measures in Spring 2026.

Much like a household budget, the city’s annual budget outlines how money is raised and spent. Most revenue comes from property taxes and is supplemented by other sources, such as user fees for parking, transit, and recreation, and contributions from other levels of government.

Read the full news release here.

October 5 - Water & Sewer

To meet the needs of our growing community and continue delivering high-quality services, Fredericton City Council has approved, in principle, the 2027 water and sewer budget and adopted a long-term financial plan for the municipal utility.

The budget includes a five per cent rate increase to help renew aging infrastructure and support Fredericton's continued growth.

With the proposed increase, the average household would pay about $2.97 per day for clean drinking water and responsible wastewater treatment.

Even with these investments, Fredericton continues to offer some of the most affordable water rates in New Brunswick, renewing old pipes, planning ahead, and maintaining reliable services for a thriving community.

City Council will hold a final vote on the 2027 water and sewer budget in November as part of the City’s annual budget process and final adoption.

Read the full news release here.

The City's water and sewer services are required by provincial legislation to be self-funded primarily through user pay (water/sewer bills). These services are separate from property taxes and have annual balanced budget requirements. Fredericton's water and sewer provides services to approximately 88% of properties in the City.

October 19 - General Fund Capital

Fredericton City Council has approved, in principle, the 2027 municipal General Fund capital budget that will support essential infrastructure upgrades, invest in recreation for all and enhance public safety priorities.

The 2027 General Fund capital budget is valued at $29.2 million that is generated through property tax, user fees, and grants. An additional $13.9 million in external funding from other levels of government is anticipated to be received in 2027.  

The capital budget invests in assets such as community infrastructure including roads, trails, parks, facilities, and vehicles. These investments balance community needs, responsible asset management, and fiscal responsibility. 

Following discussions on the capital budget, council will consider the operating budget that pays for the day-to-day expenses that keep the city running, such as waste collection, snow removal services, personnel costs, and utilities. The 2027 property tax rates will be determined during further deliberations for the operating budget in early November.  

Read the full news release here.

November 2 - General Service + Grants

Fredericton City Council has approved, in principle, the 2027 municipal General Fund operating budget, recommending a property tax rate decrease for more than 90 per cent of households.

The operating budget pays for day-to-day municipal expenses including waste collection, snow removal services, personnel costs, and utilities.  Additionally, it establishes property tax rates, parking rates, transit fares, recreation and facility fees, and community grants.

New services in 2027 will include expanded recreation free programing, increased maintenance for sports fields, new funding for affordable housing programs, and additional staffing and equipment for the Fredericton Police Force’s Direct Action Response Team (DART). 

*Residential properties in the annexed areas will pay an additional rate of $0.4115 to the province for road maintenance. 

The total value of the City of Fredericton’s general fund budget, including operating and capital, is approximately $197.3 million. This is an increase of $11.2 million compared to 2026 that will go towards offsetting inflationary pressures and supporting new services. 

The proposed 2027 budget and tax rates meet the targets established by the Government of New Brunswick’s property tax reforms. The increase in rates for amalgamated areas reflects the cost of providing municipal services to these areas, with the exception of road maintenance as that is still managed by the provincial government.   

Read the full news release here.

November 9 - Formal Adoption at City Council