Fredericton City Council has approved, in principle, the 2026 General Fund Operating Budget, valued at $184.8 million. Formal adoption of the budget is scheduled for late November.
The proposed budget recommends maintaining the current inside property tax rate, despite the Government of New Brunswick’s one-year property assessment freeze for residential, non-residential, and industrial properties. For households located where the outside/annexed tax rates apply, a five-cent increase per $100 of assessment has been approved in principle, consistent with the rate strategy adopted in the 2024 budget.
“We are tackling challenges related to affordability, inflation and the rising costs of addressing community safety concerns by investing with intention,” said Councillor Greg Ericson, Chair of the City’s Municipal Finance and Corporate Administration Committee. “Every line of this budget is designed to make Fredericton stronger today and ready for tomorrow, while continuing to deliver high service levels residents have come to expect.”
The proposed budget supports the continuation of existing programs and services, while allowing for significant investments in public safety, including the Community Safety Services Unit and the Community Engagement Unit.
It also includes funding to support expanded transit service and to begin planning for initiatives recommended in the Recreation and Leisure Master Plan, adopted earlier this year. These initiatives aim to enhance affordability for residents by offering low-cost or free programs, such as free skate rentals at Officers’ Square and learn-to-skate opportunities throughout the city.
The proposed budget does not include provisions for savings related to future projects.
A total of $3.7 million in grants and contributions to community organizations has also been approved in principle, including $805,000 in Community Grants to support strategic partners, community initiatives, climate change action, and a new micro-grant program available for youth to lead projects that advance anti-racism, equity, and inclusion.
City Council has also approved, in principle, the 2026 Municipal Capital Budget, valued at $36.7 million.
More information about the city’s 2026 budget is available online.