Fredericton approves 2026 budget, property tax rate to stay steady for most

Fredericton City Hall is pictured on May 27, 2025. (Avery MacRae/CTV Atlantic)

Fredericton City Council formally approved its budget for 2026 on Monday.

The city says the budget maintains the property tax rate for most residents while investing in safety, affordability and recreation.

The inside property tax rate, which covers approximately 90 per cent of households, remains at $1.3086 per $100 of assessment.

The city says the rate is despite inflationary pressures and the province’s one-year property assessment freeze.

The remaining 10 per cent of households will see a five-cent increase per $100 of assessment.

The budget was developed in three streams, which were approved in principle earlier this fall, before it was formally adopted:

• The general fund budget totals $184.8 million
• The general capital budget (included in the general fund) totals $36.7 million
• The water and sewer budget totals $25.6 million

“This budget reflects City Council’s commitment to maintaining the high level of service residents expect and deserve, while investing in responsible growth for Fredericton’s future” said Coun. Greg Ericson, chair of the Municipal Finance and Corporate Administration Committee, in a news release from the city. “By supporting existing programs while investing significantly in public safety, recreation and transit, we are building a city that works for everyone.”

The funds will also go toward trail lighting, public safety cameras, street renewal projects, flood resilience efforts and more.

A total of $3.7 million in grants and contributions to community organizations was also approved.

The Fredericton Police Force will be taking over policing services in amalgamated areas starting next week, according to the release.

The city says the budget does not include provisions for savings related to future projects due to the impact of the property tax assessment freeze.

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