Burnaby City Council has endorsed a draft 2025 budget that balances affordability with long-term sustainability.
“These are turbulent times, and the City’s budget focuses on stability and cost-effectiveness, while delivering on key community priorities”, says Mayor Mike Hurley. “We will continue to provide residents with core municipal services and seek efficiencies wherever possible.”
The proposed 3.9% property tax increase for 2025 will support public safety and core services, including parks, recreation and cultural services, as well as engineering services, such as road and infrastructure maintenance.
Burnaby’s tax increase is among the lowest in the region, despite significant challenges like inflation, legislative changes, regional infrastructure pressures, and the needs of a rapidly growing city.
In response to new provincial rules on funding amenities and infrastructure projects, City Council also proposed a $6.6 million required contribution to the ACC/DCC Program, equivalent to a 1.9% property tax increase for the average household. Prior to the provincial legislation, projects like recreation and child care centres in Burnaby were funded entirely by money collected from developers in exchange for additional density in town centres. Due to the provincial changes, taxpayers are now required to contribute to the cost of new amenities and infrastructure projects.
Burnaby residents will be invited to share their feedback on the City’s draft 2025-2029 Financial Plan this spring before the plan goes to City Council for final adoption.