Fredericton council approves $36M capital budget for 2026

Fredericton City Hall is pictured. (Source: Avery MacRae/CTV News Atlantic)

The City of Fredericton says it’s focusing on improving and maintaining roads, fire equipment and recreation facilities in 2026, which will require a sizeable investment.

City council has approved, in principle, a $36.68-million capital budget for next year. They are scheduled to formally adopt the budget on Nov. 23.

The announcement continues the steady growth of Fredericton’s capital budget year-over-year. The 2024 capital budget was $28.34 million and the 2025 budget was $30.3 million.

“The 2026 proposed capital budget reflects the city’s commitment to crafting a responsible and resident focused budget,” said Coun. Greg Ericson, chair of the Municipal Finance and Corporate Administration Committee, in a news release. “By prioritizing infrastructure renewal and strategic growth, we’re investing in the services and spaces that matter most to residents, while still maintaining strong financial stewardship and preparing for the future.”

Seventy-seven per cent of the capital budget will be centered on renewing roads, sidewalks, trails, police and fire equipment, and recreation facilities.

The other 23 per cent of the budget will go towards new projects like parks and lighting for sport courts, supports for new neighbourhoods, and planning and design work.

The city says the proposed capital budget includes an additional $16.72 million through other levels of government, new capital renewal funding from the province and one-time debt servicing.

Fredericton notes the provincial government’s one-year property assessment freeze for 2026 does not guarantee that residents’ tax bills will not change.

“City Council will review the total tax base available, based on property assessments and budget pressures,” the release reads. “They will then approve the tax rate per $100 of assessed value. Your tax bill is the assessed value of your property multiplied by the tax rate.”

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