The Town of Bay Roberts, Newfoundland and Labrador, has approved a $10.6 million budget for 2026 that keeps property taxes at their current levels. This plan, the first full fiscal roadmap under the newly elected council, aims to support residents facing high costs of living while funding new projects like a large business park.
According to The Shoreline, the new council took office following elections in late 2025. Deputy Mayor Neil Kearley told SaltWire the town did not want to add to the financial pressure many families are feeling due to the rising costs of essentials like food and heat.
A major part of the new budget focuses on restarting work on a 60-acre business park near the Veterans’ Memorial Highway that has been stalled since 2012. The Town of Bay Roberts plans to be more active in developing this land, which could eventually include both businesses and new homes, as reported by SaltWire.
The budget also includes money for road paving, water system repairs, and sewer upgrades across the community. Local firefighters will receive new equipment and specialized training to help them handle wildfires and other emergencies related to changing weather patterns.
This fiscal plan was led by Mayor Geoff Seymour, who was acclaimed to the position in October 2025 as noted by VOCM. To keep the budget balanced without raising tax rates, the town is maintaining its residential mill rate (6.5) and commercial mill rate (7.0) while updating its business tax classifications to optimize revenue and cover rising municipal costs.
