City Budget Planning

The municipal budgeting process is a planning tool that enhances your local government's accountability and service delivery and sets out their legal expenditure authority. Local governments must annually adopt a financial plan in accordance with the Local Government Act and the Community Charter. The planning period must include the current fiscal year and the next four fiscal years (five-year plan). Legislation establishes requirements and deadlines for adoption of financial plans by May 15 of each calendar year.

LET'S CONNECT

Every year the City of Port Alberni creates a financial plan that guides how we invest in services, infrastructure and community priorities. The 2026–2030 Five-Year Financial Plan sets our direction for the next five years — ensuring we can deliver reliable services today while preparing for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

WHY IT MATTERS

The financial plan is more than numbers — it’s a reflection of our community’s values. It determines how we:

• Maintain and improve roads, water systems and parks
• Fund essential services like fire protection, recreation and waste management
• Support economic growth, safety and sustainability initiatives
• Balance affordability for residents and businesses

OUR CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Planning ahead means making choices. We must balance limited revenues with rising costs, aging infrastructure, and growing expectations for service. At the same time, we have opportunities to invest in areas that strengthen Port Alberni — including neighbourhood renewal, waterfront development, and community safety.

HOW WE PAY FOR CITY SERVICES

City revenues come from a mix of:

• Property taxes
• Utility fees (water, sewer, garbage)
• Grants
• User fees and permits

These funds cover the many costs of running a city — everything from maintaining facilities and utilities to delivering recreation, promoting economic development and providing planning services.

Here is a breakdown of how your 2025 tax dollars were allocated across the many City services based on the average Port Alberni household:

PROPERTY TAX & ASSESSMENTS

Your property taxes are based on the assessed value of your property as determined by BC Assessment, an independent third party who values all property in British Columbia. Your property’s assessment determines your share of City taxes. An increase in assessment doesn’t always mean a higher tax bill — it depends on how your property’s change compares to others.

Taxes are calculated as:

Rising assessments do not always mean that property taxes will increase

GET CONNECTED AND STAY CONNECTED

Your feedback is vital in shaping the 2026–2030 Five-Year Financial Plan. Over the next five months, Council and staff will review budgets, host public discussions, and refine the plan based on what we hear from you.

Here’s how to get and stay connected:

• Attend upcoming budget meetings and open houses (check out the Key Dates for details)
• Review the draft plan online (Check out the Documents section!)
• Ask questions directly through this page (see below)
• Email us at council@portalberni.ca
• Submit your feedback in-person at City Hall
• Sign up for updates