Port Alberni, BC - February 18, 2026 – The City of Port Alberni has adopted the 2026-2030 Five Year Financial Plan (the Plan), setting the rate for the average single-family residential home at 6.82 per cent for 2026.
The financial planning process began in September 2025 and included a series of Council and Committee of the Whole meetings, along with opportunities for community input. The Plan outlines the revenues and expenditures required to deliver day-to-day municipal services, advance strategic initiatives and invest in infrastructure, while supporting long-term funding strategies for future asset replacement and renewal.
“Council is very pleased to adopt this year’s Five‑Year Financial Plan, especially given the improvements we’ve seen through our updated budget process, “said Mayor Sharie Minions. “This approach has made the work clearer and more collaborative, allowing Council to follow the information more easily and make thoughtful decisions around how best to allocate resources. As a result, we’ve been able to maintain stable service levels for our community while minimizing the need for reductions. On behalf of Council, I want to thank residents for engaging with us throughout this process and for sharing their perspectives as we continue working toward a sustainable future for Port Alberni.”
Under the provisions of the Community Charter, municipalities must annually adopt a financial plan before the annual property tax bylaw is adopted. This financial plan spans a five-year period, covering 2026 through 2030, while the tax rate bylaw is set only for the current year. In large part, this financial plan was approved previously within the 2025-2029 Five Year Financial Plan with changes based on utilization and cost increases for current levels of service.
“As highlighted in our report to Council, planning ahead means making necessary decisions. Each year, we must find the right balance between limited revenues streams and the pressures of rising costs, aging infrastructure, and increasing expectations for service,” said Rosalyn Macauley, Director of Finance. “These challenges are not unique to Port Alberni, but they do require us to be deliberate and strategic in how we move forward. At the same time, we see meaningful opportunities to invest in areas that strengthen our community — from neighbourhood renewal and waterfront development to initiatives that enhance community safety. This financial plan reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring Port Alberni remains a resilient, vibrant, and forward‑looking city.”
The 2026 Tax Rates Bylaw will be considered for adoption by Council later this spring at a Regular meeting of Council.
For more on the City’s 2026 – 2030 Five Year Financial Plan, visit: www.letsconnectpa.ca
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