The City of Corner Brook is proud to present its proposed 2026 budget, titled “Listening to the Public, Building for the Future.” Council is keeping the property and business tax mill rates stable for the fiscal year while making strategic investments in transit, economic development, recreation, and modernizing essential services.
The total proposed budget for 2026 is $44.7 million, representing a 6.7% increase in expenditures required to meet rising operational costs and fund key community enhancements.
This budget was built by staff and council following unprecedented public consultations in person, online, and on the campaign trail. It also sets the foundation for the next four years of growth and renewal. With stable taxes, the modernization of our transit and waste systems, strategic investments in economic development, infrastructure, and community life, the course is set for a City that is stronger, cleaner, and more inclusive.
Highlights of this year’s budget include:
- No change to residential or commercial property tax mill rates
- No change to water and sewer levy
- Payment option for business taxes
- A 50% reduction on interest for residential and business property taxes
- A transit pilot program extending the hours of operation on weekdays as well as adding Saturdays
- Addition of a $150 Waste Management Levy
Waste Management & Environment:
2025 has been a year of successful improvement in modernizing essential services, and 2026 will mark a significant shift in waste and water management to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact:
- Dual-Stream Recycling System: This will eliminate expensive contamination charges, reduce recycling fees, and maximize environmental stewardship.
- Automated Cart Program: Every household will receive a durable, maintenance-free garbage cart, reducing litter, deterring pests, and improving community cleanliness. This program has already begun to roll out.
- Water Conservation: Following a successful audit and meter installation in 2025, the City has already seen a 10.5% reduction in monthly water consumption. We look forward to continuing this success which would help us mange the rising costs of water treatment.
In recent years, the City has faced rising contamination charges from the regional waste transfer station as a result of existing collection practices. These costs have continued to climb, and the regional waste management board has requested that municipalities take corrective action due to the volume of contaminated waste. Implementing the $150 Waste Management Levy allows the City to enhance service levels and reduce contamination without sacrificing other operational budgets. This revenue goes beyond simple household collection to fund our complete waste strategy, including spring cleanups, leaf collection, and vital public education.
Transit:
Following a 10%+ ridership increase, the City is making major investments to modernize its fully accessible transit system.
- On-Demand Service: Implementation of the Blaise Transit platform, allowing users to pre-book rides, track buses in real-time, and make payments via app.
- Extended Service Hours Pilot: Weekday service will be extended until 11:00 p.m., and the buses will begin to run on Saturdays.
- Route Optimization: Streamlining fixed routes for a more efficient and responsive experience.
Public Works
The City is enhancing its infrastructure maintenance:
- Allocation of funds for a new combined plow truck and salter to improve snow clearing efficiency on main roads.
- Dedicating additional resources to sidewalk snow clearing, with a particular focus on the downtown core.
Economic Development & Support
The budget includes increased funding to attract investment and support local businesses:
- Re-establishing a Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) with dedicated staff to revitalize the core.
- Introducing an option for businesses to pay taxes in interest-free, quarterly payments to assist cash flow.
- Lowering the interest rate charged on overdue property and business taxes.
Recreation & Wellness
Following the opening of the Marina Redmond Centre in 2025, the City continues to invest:
- Funding allocated to develop a Recreation Master Plan to guide long-term programming and facility use.
- Planned spending on facility upgrades, additional playground surfacing, and critical upgrades at the Corner Brook Civic Centre (new boiler, new Zamboni).
Tourism
Corner Brook continues to lead regional tourism:
- Funding dedicated to the new Humber Bay of Islands regional brand led by the City.
- Capitalizing on the success of the 24-ship cruise season, which included the region’s first-ever winter cruise call.
Capital Works & Advocacy
While the City has scaled back capital works planning due to the absence of federal/provincial funding programs for 2026, staff remain ready to advance key projects. Council remains focused on advocacy for the most significant infrastructure gap:
- Wastewater Treatment: The City is committed to lobbying provincial and federal partners for substantial funding to address the lack of a wastewater treatment facility, which currently results in untreated discharge into the Bay of Islands.
To see the 2026 Budget Speech, please follow this link: LINK.
