The City of Port Alberni has officially set its property tax rates for 2026, finalizing a 6.82 percent increase in the municipal taxation rate for the average single-family home. City Council adopted the new Tax Rates Bylaw (No. 5139) and the 2026-2030 Five Year Financial Plan to meet the provincial requirement that all municipalities establish their tax rates by May 15 each year.
The city’s financial planning process, overseen by then-Director of Finance (now Interim CAO) Andrew McGifford, includes $8.3 million earmarked for various facility upgrades and repairs planned over the next few years. While the initial budget projections presented to council anticipated a 6.91 percent increase, the final rate was set at 6.82 percent.
Residents are reminded that municipal property taxes are due on July 2. Payments made after this deadline will be subject to late penalties. For those eligible, the provincial government has adjusted the home owner grant threshold for 2026 to $2.075 million, as outlined by the BC Ministry of Finance.
The current decisions were made by the local council, which includes Mayor Sharie Minions and councillors Debbie Haggard, Cindy Solda, Charles Mealey, Dustin Dame, John Douglas, and Todd Patola. More information regarding local tax requirements can be found through the City of Port Alberni website.
