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 proposed budget was discussed during an open meeting of City Council on October 19, 2026, as part of the City of Fredericton’s annual budget process, which will continue through November.
“The 2027 capital budget is focused on taking care of what we already own, maintaining the infrastructure residents use every day, while making strategic investments that strengthen our growing community,” said Councillor Colin Ebbett, Chair of the Municipal Finance and Corporate Administration Committee. “From roads and trails to recreation facilities and equipment upgrades, these projects help keep Fredericton safe, connected, and ready for the future.”
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 capital investments are broken down into four categories.
- Seventy-nine per cent of funds go toward maintaining and improving existing assets such as roads, sidewalks, trails, police and fire equipment, and recreation facilities.
- Seven per cent supports new projects including parks, sports fields, transportation safety improvements, public realm improvements and new operational equipment
- Seven per cent is allocated to non-tangible assets including planning and design work to ensure the city is forward-thinking and ready to leverage external funding as it becomes available.
- Seven per cent will be dedicated to growth and supporting the needs of a rapidly growing community by investing in neighbourhoods and upgrading infrastructure to accommodate additional users such as the southeast new neighbourhood implementation.
The City is also able to leverage borrowing to help further fund major projects including completing the Hawkes Centre for the Arts, purchasing two new hybrid city buses, initial phases of the Killarney Lake Park Ballfield Multiplex and costs associated with the construction of Fire Station Five.
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.
More information about the City of Fredericton’s annual budget process, including the 2027 water and sewer budget, is available online.