Special Council meeting (2026 budget deliberations), December 3, 2025
Attendance
All seven elected officials were present in person. City Manager Robert Eng and City Clerk Nadia Kowalczyk supported the meeting from the staff table. The session was livestreamed for residents who could not attend.
Delegations
The Council received a brief presentation from the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Area regarding small business recovery grants. A resident from the Wildrye neighbourhood also spoke about the need for more bus routes in the growing community. You can review the full budget documents on the City website before the next meeting. Submit written feedback to the City Clerk's office until December 10.
Reports and decisions
2026 operating budget review. The Council reviewed the preliminary 2026 operating budget. The proposed $148.5 million budget includes a 2.1 per cent increase for community services and a 3.0 per cent increase for roads and winter maintenance. The mayor noted that careful spending will keep the city solvent while supporting essential programs. Carried, 7-0.
2026 tax levy framework. Council approved the tax levy framework. Residential property taxes will rise by 2.5 per cent, matching the provincial inflation index. Commercial properties will see a 1.8 per cent increase. Carried, 7-0.
Transit fare adjustments. A proposal to increase transit fares by 10 per cent was discussed. After feedback on affordability from the delegation and staff, Council voted to freeze base fares for the first year while expanding the fare assistance program. Carried, 6-1. Councillor Sidhu opposed the freeze.
Capital works program. Funding of $42 million was allocated to the Northgate Aquatic Centre renovation, the Ambrel Lake Park boardwalk upgrade, and the Tamsin River Trail resurfacing project. Engineers will present detailed plans at the next regular meeting. Carried, 7-0.
Vacant home tax proposal. Council deferred a motion to establish a vacant home tax until the spring meeting. Staff need more time to study the impact on housing supply and rental rates. Defeated, 4-3.
By-laws
No by-laws were passed during this special meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.