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4w ago

Halifax Council Passes 2026–27 Budget With 9.5% Municipal Tax Increase as Mayor Opposes

The vote signals a choice to protect service levels despite affordability concerns voiced by the mayor.

Halifax Regional Council votes on the budget on March 31, 2026.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas was photographed during the city council meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Calgary mayor Jeromy Farkas said the impact on homeowners from the provincial government's education property tax increase is "extremely jarring"
Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean during a city hall council in Calgary on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.

Overview

  • Halifax Regional Council approved the 2026–27 budget in a 14–3 vote Tuesday, setting $1.45 billion for operations and a $316.7 million capital plan.
  • The plan raises the municipal share of property taxes by 9.5 percent, which staff say equals a 7.5 percent jump in average property tax bills.
  • For a typical single-family home assessed at $357,500, Global News reports an estimated $284 yearly increase, while SaltWire cites $247 based on a different way of totaling the bill.
  • Council pointed to service gains that include 10 articulated buses with 24 operators, 10 firefighters and eight emergency communications staff, along with savings set aside for future capital work.
  • Mayor Andy Fillmore voted no and said he will seek a barebones budget option next year, reflecting a split over how to weigh service upgrades against near-term costs for residents.