Maple Ridge, B.C., May 14, 2026 – Maple Ridge Council has adopted the City's 2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw, which invests in key community priorities: affordability, essential services, and keeping up with growth.
The proposed 2026 budget includes a municipal property tax increase of 3.5 per cent, one of the lowest in the region. For the average household assessed at $1.04 million, this represents an increase of approximately $101 in municipal property taxes over last year.
Adoption of the Financial Plan and Tax Rate Bylaws wraps up a budget process that began in late fall with extensive public engagement, which included a community survey in November, a new video series and podcast, and a five-week budget feedback period. The budget provides operating funds for City services as well as targeted capital investments.
"We've heard from the community and understand that affordability continues to be a top concern," said Mayor Dan Ruimy. "Faced with many increased costs beyond our control, Council worked closely with staff to find savings and reduce the tax increase while ensuring we continue delivering the essential services and infrastructure residents rely on every day. This budget reflects a disciplined, long-term approach—investing where it matters most, finding efficiencies, and maintaining the core services that support safe neighbourhoods, reduce traffic congestion, expand recreation access, and strengthen our local economy."
Focusing on Affordability
The 2026 Budget responds to significant external pressures and costs, including inflation, labour and contract increases, rising costs from other levels of government, and provincial housing requirements. Lower-than-anticipated property assessments, reflecting a trend across the region, also reduced the City's projected revenue.
To limit the tax increase to 3.5 per cent—among the lowest increases in comparable cities—City staff identified more than $4.6 million in additional savings by seeking operational efficiencies, closely reviewing programs and phasing costs over multiple years.
The 2026 operating budget totals $226.8 million and includes approximately $700,000 in targeted investments to address priority service needs and manage future risks. Investments align with feedback received through budget engagement and the City's Fall 2025 Community Survey.
Impact on Households
The property tax bill will also include previously approved water and sewer utilities, which saw rate increases of 4.5 per cent for water and 6.05 per cent for sewer. With the municipal tax and utilities combined, the total expected 2026 increase for an average home with water and sewer service is $181, or 4.1 per cent.
It's important to note that these amounts are based on an average Maple Ridge home value of $1.04 million, and that the actual amount of charges on each tax notice will vary based on whether the property's assessed value is above or below the average.
The City combines its utilities and taxes into a single tax notice for administrative savings. Residents will receive their annual tax notice in mid-May. Provincial and regional fees and levies also make up a significant portion of the annual bill. These funds are gathered on behalf of others and do not go to the City but are passed on to fund regional infrastructure and the School District, among others.
Community Input Shaped the Budget
The Financial Plan reflects extensive community engagement, with five weeks of targeted outreach in February and March, including an online survey, in-person events, and a variety of online and print communications. New this year, the City mailed a 2026 Budget Highlights newsletter to every property, ensuring residents have clear, accessible information about the budget and where their tax dollars go.
During the budget engagement, about two-thirds of respondents said the budget reflects resident priorities identified in the Fall 2025 Community Survey, and a similar percentage were satisfied with the budget information the City provided this year. The top priorities identified were affordability, public safety, infrastructure and transportation, economic development, and managing growth responsibly.
"We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their feedback about this year's budget and community priorities," said Ruimy. "As one of the fastest-growing communities in Metro Vancouver, it's critical that we continue to check back with the community as we navigate rapid growth. This budget keeps us focused on affordability today while planning responsibly for the future."
Investing in Infrastructure for a Growing City
Alongside the operating budget is a $437 million five-year Capital Plan that will deliver nearly 140 projects focused on transportation, utilities, public safety and community amenities from 2026 to 2030.
This year, $121 million will be invested to reduce traffic congestion, improve public safety, renew aging infrastructure and expand recreation opportunities. Recent updates to the Capital Plan include a $5 million investment in the City fleet that is funded through reserves and therefore cost-neutral, and does not impact the 2026 tax rate calculation. Based on a comprehensive fleet review in February 2026, almost half of the fleet investment is for new electric and hybrid vehicles.
Visit MapleRidge.ca/Budget and Engage.MapleRidge.ca/Budget2026 to learn more. For additional information, contact CK Lee, Manager of Financial Planning at Budget@MapleRidge.ca.
Payment and Tax Information
Taxes for 2026 are due on July 2, 2026. Information about payments, penalties, Home Owner Grants, property tax deferment, the City's convenient monthly payment plan, and more can be found at MapleRidge.ca/Taxes. Property owners are encouraged to sign up at MapleRidge.ca/MyCity, where they can view and pay their bill online and access other City tax and licence accounts.
- 30 -
Media Contact
Anna Lilly, Director External Relations
T 672-275-1241 C 604-505-9048
E Media@MapleRidge.ca