A property tax increase of 6.3 per cent is projected for Nanaimo residents next year, after City Councillors gave the first three readings to their updated financial plan on Monday night. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

tax time

Projected 6.3 per cent tax increase coming for Nanaimo residents

Dec 16, 2025 | 11:23 AM

NANAIMO — Councillors have unanimously supported the first three of four steps to lock in a property tax increase for next year.

The first three readings were given to an updated five year financial plan on Monday, Dec. 15, which outlines a 6.3 per cent increase to property tax rates for 2026, made up of a 5.3 per cent increase to taxes for general City revenue and one per cent dedicated to asset management.

City general manager of corporate services Laura Mercer said user rate increases of five per cent each for water and sanitation, along with a four per cent bump for sewer, were also set.

“This means that the projected impact on a typical home in Nanaimo, valued at $787,743, will be an increase of $195 for municipal taxes, or $239 when you include taxes and all user fees.”

For the typical Nanaimo home, the total tax bill will be $3,276, or $4,265 inclusive of user rate fees.

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Major line items in the financial plan include 12 new RCMP officers over three years, including additions already made this year.

Further expansion to the City’s Community Safety Officer program were also financed.

Council are also budgeting for replacement of end-of-life assets at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre to improve performance and reduce emissions.

Investments to expand Nanaimo’s active transportation network and intersection safety are included.

Council also recently added major upgrades to Loudon Park in its financial planning, while the next phase of enhancements to Westwood Lake Park are also accounted for.

Further adjustments to the property tax rate are possible, and likely, in the spring.

“The finance staff will work on updating the financial plan with changes to estimates and any additions Council makes. The final financial plan must be adopted before May 15th, and staff will be back probably in April to provide Council with an opportunity to review and amend the bylaw at that time.”

Final adoption of the financial plan is due shortly after April’s review, but prior to mid-May.

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