Property taxes in the City of North Vancouver could rise by approximately 5% to 6.5% in 2027, according to an early budget outlook scheduled to be presented to council on Nov. 16.
The estimate is part of the city’s preliminary financial planning process and is not an approved tax increase. The forecast is intended to maintain existing service levels and fund infrastructure investments and North Shore Neighbourhood House levies, with no new services included.
City staff estimate that between 3.5% and 5% of the increase would be needed to support existing services. Another 0.5% would go toward the North Shore Neighbourhood House levy, while 1% would be dedicated to infrastructure needs.
The report points to several pressures affecting the city’s finances, including wage and benefit increases under collective agreements, rising policing costs tied to the RCMP’s multi-year financial plan, lower revenues associated with reduced development activity, and the ongoing cost of renewing and building infrastructure.
Staff note that development activity across Metro Vancouver remains below historical levels, affecting municipal revenues. The report also highlights uncertainty surrounding future RCMP compensation costs. The force’s second collective agreement expired on March 31, 2025, and a replacement had not been reached when the presentation was prepared.
The city expects some revenue sources could help reduce pressure on taxpayers. These include parking revenues used to offset public safety costs and growth in the city’s property tax base.
Council has previously set aside $905,000 in property tax revenue generated through higher-than-expected growth, including new construction, renovations and subdivisions. According to the report, those funds will be available to help offset future tax increases in 2027.
The outlook also anticipates additional North Shore Neighbourhood House levy increases through 2029, adding a total of 1.5 percentage points over the period, or roughly 0.5% annually. The property tax forecast does not include utility rates. Council is expected to receive information on utility budgets and rates on Nov. 23, followed by an update on annual fees and charges on Dec. 7.
A report from chief financial officer Larry Sawrenko says public engagement on the city’s 2027-2031 financial plan is expected to begin later in 2026.
Under the current timeline, council will hold a finance committee meeting in January, receive a financial plan update in March and consider the financial plan bylaw in April 2027
