PORT COQUITLAM, BC – Jan. 14, 2026… Port Coquitlam is proposing one of the lowest property tax increases in Metro Vancouver for 2026, with a 1.95 per cent increase for the average home as part of the City’s $129.4-million draft operating budget, despite rising costs and significant financial pressures beyond the City’s control.
The City is inviting feedback from residents on a $129.4-million draft operating budget, which includes a tax increase of 1.95 per cent for the average home - one of the lowest proposed increases in the region. Approximately 73 per cent of the proposed increase relates to mandated RCMP and labour contract costs, with the remainder due to inflation, rising service-provider fees and long-term infrastructure funding.
“Council believes that affordability, financial responsibility and strong services that allow our community to thrive are not opposites,” said Mayor Brad West. “Port Coquitlam has demonstrated that you can respect taxpayers and invest in your community. Every budget year, we work hard going line by line examining costs, identifying efficiencies and putting our residents priorities first. The result is that Port Coquitlam has the lowest average property taxes and utilities fees in Metro Vancouver, and this year we continue that leadership with a modest 1.95% increase.”
Residents are encouraged to go to portcoquitlam.ca/2026budget to learn more about the budget and complete the survey online until Feb. 8. The annual Budget at a Glance mailout with budget details and a print version of the survey will start arriving in mailboxes next week.
Port Coquitlam residents who complete the survey by Feb. 8 will be entered in a draw for a $150 gift card to a licensed Port Coquitlam business of their choice. All public feedback received will help inform the 2026 budget as well as other important decisions year-round.
The annual operating budget pays for a wide variety of City services that residents and businesses rely on every day, including public safety, waste collection, recreation, transportation, utilities and development services that support new housing and amenities.
For 2026, Port Coquitlam has focused on maintaining existing service levels and finding savings and efficiencies to limit costs for taxpayers. This has included reviewing costs line by line, deferring non-critical items, the strategic use of reserves, and leveraging partnerships and grant funding wherever possible.
“We’ve always taken a fiscally responsible approach to our budgets, and 2026 is no different,” noted Cllr. Dean Washington, Council’s designate for budget matters. “As costs continue to rise for everyone, taxpayers can be assured that we’re keeping their interests in mind while delivering sustainable services to the community.”
Charges from Metro Vancouver and external service providers make up the majority of the increases for 2026 utility levies.
The water levy increase of 6.53 per cent ($34.39) in 2026 includes City savings of 0.99 per cent, which partly offset the Metro Vancouver increase of 7.52 per cent. The sewer levy increase of 8.97 per cent ($46.49) includes 2.52 per cent from the City and 6.45 per cent from Metro Vancouver. The solid waste levy for homes receiving City waste services has risen 2.59 per cent, or $8.40, more than half of which is due to increased costs for external service providers.
Property assessments that started arriving from the British Columbia Assessment Authority in early January will also play a key role in the final tax bill. Properties whose value has risen more or less than other typical properties of the same type will experience a tax rate that differs from the average.
Budget details and input opportunities are posted at portcoquitlam.ca/2026budget.
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