St. John’s Unveils $366M Budget for 2026

The City of St. John’s has released its 2026 operating and capital budget, outlining nearly $366 million in spending aimed at maintaining services while addressing rising costs.

The $365,997,790 budget is balanced and represents a 4.8 per cent increase over 2025. City officials say the increase reflects growing operating and capital pressures while preserving existing programs and services.

Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth, who leads Finance, said Council focused on fiscal discipline while continuing to invest in services residents rely on.

“Council’s priority for the 2026 Budget is to maintain fiscal discipline while ensuring every dollar is invested wisely to sustain and enhance the programs and services our community values,” Ellsworth said. “There are no cuts to programs or services, and the mill rates will remain unchanged for 2026.”

The residential mill rate will remain at 9.1, while the commercial mill rate will stay at 29.5. Water tax rates will see a modest increase, rising by $10 per residential unit annually and by 1.4 per cent for commercial properties. The City notes all water tax revenue is dedicated directly to funding water services.

Among the major highlights of Budget 2026 is nearly $22 million in new capital investments. Funding will support road rehabilitation, housing-related initiatives, sidewalk repairs, traffic safety improvements, technology upgrades, facility repairs, and capital grants to community groups. A detailed list of capital projects is expected to be released in the new year.

The budget also includes $5.3 million for the replacement of snow clearing equipment as part of the City’s asset management plan, aimed at ensuring reliable winter operations. Public transit services will receive an additional $1 million in operating funding for Metrobus and the Para Transit System to offset rising maintenance and parts costs and support service improvements.

Funding for emergency services will also increase, with an additional $728,000 allocated to the St. John’s Regional Fire Department. The funding will support occupational health and safety initiatives, fleet maintenance, and protective equipment, bringing the department’s total budget to nearly $29 million.

Meanwhile, the City announced a further reduction of $214,000 to its operating grant for St. John’s Sports and Entertainment.

Officials cited increased revenue from concerts, events, and meetings at Mary Brown’s Centre and the St. John’s Convention Centre as the reason for the decrease.

City officials say the 2026 budget aligns with the municipality’s strategic plan, Our City, Our Future, which emphasizes sustainability and long-term financial responsibility.