Qualicum Beach council opts for budget with tax hike of 6.5 per cent
Published 5:35 am Thursday, March 5, 2026
Qualicum Beach council has given first and second readings to the 2026-2030 Five-Year Financial Plan, which includes a 6.5 per cent municipal property tax increase to maintain municipal services, invest in essential infrastructure, and support long-term financial sustainability.
Council considered several budget scenarios including an 8.1 per cent and seven per cent increase, before selecting the 6.5 per cent hike. This approach maintains core service levels while moderating the impact on residents.
Public input received during the budget process helps inform council’s decision and remains an important part of the town’s financial planning.
For a typical home assessed at the town average, the increase represents approximately $13 per month in municipal property taxes. Individual impacts may vary depending on property assessment changes.
The budget is intended to improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery, while addressing inflationary and contractual cost pressures, including increases to supplies and materials, wages, benefit premiums, insurance, policing and other mandated expenditures.
Approximately 51 per cent of taxes collected by the town are levied on behalf of other agencies, including the school taxes, Regional District of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Regional Library, and Nanaimo Regional Hospital District. These agencies independently set their rates, and are not included in the Town’s municipal tax increase.
The financial play bylaw will be presented for third reading on March 25 and final adoption is slated to happen in April.
