2026 budget
The 2026 budget process continued from the January 16 Committee of the Whole meeting and single and joint local services were considered in this month's meeting.
The 2026 proposed budget includes $62,814,138 in operating and capital expenditures and $25,628,451 in tax requisitions. This is an increase of $1,410,417 or 5.82% compared to 2025. Most of the other funding for the 2026 budget comes from grants, user fees and reserve funds.
The budget affects communities differently depending on the services provided to that area, property assessment changes and a change in the amount of residential or commercial properties that fund services. The 2026 anticipated tax rates are:
| 2026 | 2025 | change per average home | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area | tax rate per $100K | cost per average home | tax rate per $100K | cost per average home | ||
| Prince George | $44.55 | $208.26 | $43.55 | $199.67 | $8.59 | 4.30% |
| Mackenzie | $48.82 | $87.35 | $47.98 | $81.00 | $6.35 | 7.83% |
| McBride | $323.04 | $725.44 | $309.47 | $630.97 | $94.47 | 14.97% |
| Valemount | $185.54 | $544.40 | $182.49 | $534.72 | $9.28 | 1.74% |
| Electoral Area A | $94.41 | $404.10 | $92.56 | $385.72 | $18.38 | 4.76% |
| Electoral Area C | $103.75 | $520.39 | $102.58 | $504.62 | $15.77 | 3.12% |
| Electoral Area D | $105.55 | $440.18 | $104.92 | $411.11 | $29.07 | 7.07% |
| Electoral Area E | $114.45 | $234.52 | $118.92 | $225.68 | $8.84 | 3.92% |
| Electoral Area F | $112.88 | $228.61 | $107.49 | $194.83 | $33.78 | 17.34% |
| Electoral Area G | $84.98 | $215.27 | $83.25 | $172.29 | $42.98 | 24.95% |
| Electoral Area H | $97.88 | $317.14 | $95.20 | $298.81 | $18.33 | 6.14% |
The overall 2026 Operating Budget and 5-Year Financial Plan will be approved at the next board meeting scheduled on March 19.
John Dahl Regional Park agreement
A new agreement was approved for the operation of John Dahl Regional Park in Mackenzie. The original jurisdiction and service agreement dates back to 1990 and the new agreement continues the collaboration between the Regional District and the District of Mackenzie, providing clarity on jurisdiction, operational authority and long-term stewardship of the park.
John Dahl Regional Park is one of 11 regional parks located across the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.
General Local Election officials appointed
The Chief Election Officer and two Deputy Chief Election Officers were appointed for the 2026 General Local Election. Maureen Connelly, the Regional District's General Manager of Legislative and Corporate Services, Aileen Singh, Manager of Legislative Services and Dayna Hegel, Confidential Assistant were appointed to the statutory roles which are important for designating voting locations, appointing other election officials and making sure the election meets the Local Government Act requirements.
Grants awarded
Community Grants in Aid and Recreation Grants in Aid were awarded to:
Electoral Area A (Salmon River-Lakes)
- Salmon Valley Community Association for $4,000 for operating expenses
- Salmon Valley Community Farmers Institute for $4,995 for community events
- Ness Lake Recreation Commission for $24,733 for emergency water leak repairs
Electoral Area D (Tabor Lake-Stone Creek)
- Pineview Recreation Commission for $960 for accounting costs
- Pineview Recreation Commission for $5,496 for appliance updates and removal
- Pineview Recreation Commission for $1,500 for insurance
- Pineview Recreation Commission for $884 for security cameras
- Pineview Receration Commission for $2,774 for inspections
Electoral Area G (Crooked River-Parsnip)
- Mackenzie Fire Fighters Association for $15,000 for air bag system and gear replacement
- Scouts Canada 3rd Prince George Beavers for $5,000 for Summit Lake Camp Echo clean up
- Summit Lake Community Association for $7,500 for operating expenses
Electoral Area H (Robson Valley-Canoe)
- Robson Valley Spay and Neuter Society for $6,000 for vet fees
- Valemount Climbing Club for $7,000 for insurance and operating expenses
