Victoria County Approves 2026–27 Municipal Budget

Victoria County Council approved the 2026–27 Municipal Budget on May 19, 2026.

The approved operating budget is $16,216,837. Council’s budget decisions were informed by a resident budget survey completed by 527 residents, with affordability identified as one of the community’s top priorities.

Despite rising costs, Council was able to keep overall municipal tax rates unchanged for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

The overall tax rates remain:

• $1.15 per $100 of assessment for residential and resource properties
• $2.09 per $100 of assessment for commercial properties

Fire Protection Rate Now Shown Separately

Starting this year, municipal tax bills will show the fire protection rate as a separate line item.

The fire protection rate is not new and does not increase the overall tax rate. In previous years, the cost of fire protection services was included within the general municipal tax rate. The change simply makes that portion visible on tax bills for greater transparency.

“Showing the fire protection rate separately improves transparency and helps residents see where their tax dollars go, without changing the overall tax rate,” said Warden Jackie Organ.

The fire protection rate is $0.114 per $100 of assessment. The remaining general municipal rates are:

• $1.036 per $100 of assessment for residential and resource properties
• $1.976 per $100 of assessment for commercial properties

There is no change to the level of fire protection service being provided.

Investments in Community Priorities

The 2026–27 budget continues investments in municipal services, infrastructure and community programs, including:

• Waste management infrastructure
• Public washrooms
• Housing initiatives
• Volunteer fire services
• Trails and recreation
• Community grant programs

This year, the Community Grants Program increased from $275,000 to $300,000 to support local non-profit organizations and community groups.

Council also renewed and expanded the Senior Safety Social Network pilot program, increasing funding to $12,000 per district to support weekly social gatherings for seniors across all eight districts.

In addition, more than $1 million was transferred to capital reserves to support future infrastructure and long-term planning.

Municipal tax bills will be mailed in June.