The District of West Vancouver Council has approved tax rate increases for 2026 and outlined the direction for the District’s budget, following Monday’s Regular Council Meeting on Jan. 26, 2026.
In a press release, the District noted that the approved tax rate includes a 2.43% Operating Levy increase and a 1% Asset Levy increase. These changes come after months of planning by Council and staff, shaped by public input and community priorities.
The 2026 budget seeks to balance residents’ affordability concerns with the need to maintain essential services and manage financial risk. The press release noted that the plan uses a combination of cost savings and one-time measures, such as reduced contributions to reserves and limited one-time reserve drawdowns. At the same time, staff continue exploring sustainable long-term funding strategies.
Following public engagement from January 7 to 21, Council directed staff to remove a proposed $400,000 reduction to the Environmental Reserve transfer and to report back with an alternative approach.
Staff will now finalize the 2026–2030 Five-Year Financial Plan for Council consideration on Feb. 23, 2026. The plan details anticipated revenues, expenditures, and capital investments, and is updated annually to reflect shifting conditions and Council priorities.
