Halifax council approves billion-dollar budget

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

After months of meetings and discussions, Halifax Regional Council has given final approval to the 2025/26 municipal budget.

The municipality says the budget includes a $1.33 billion operating budget and a capital budget of $314 million.

The budget will keep the tax rate steady at 0.770, according to the city, but due to the increase in property assessment values, the municipal portion of the residential tax bill will go up by 4.7 per cent.

“This budget reflects our collective commitment to controlling costs for residents and businesses and to building a stronger, more resilient Halifax,” says Mayor Andy Fillmore. “By keeping the tax rate flat while investing in core services, transit, community safety and critical infrastructure, we’re striking a balance that supports residents today and sets the stage for long-term growth.”

The budget includes the hiring of 20 new firefighters, 14 new RCMP officers, extending the service life of 10 buses and approving the Windsor Street Exchange redevelopment with construction expected to begin in 2025/26 at a cost of $150 million.