City Budget

Annually the City updates the Five-Year Financial Plan and the 10-Year Project Plan, balancing changing needs and priorities within the community. 

In compliance with the Community Charter, the Financial Plan is developed through public consultation and Council direction. Prior to May 15 each year, Council must adopt both a Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw and a Property Tax Rates Bylaw.

2026 - 2030 Financial Plan (Financial Plan)

The 2026 - 2030 Financial Plan was adopted by council on May 11, 2026.

The 2026 - 2030 Financial Plan (Financial Plan) outlines strategic investment in services and infrastructure to support a growing community of over 100,000 residents and the stewardship of more than $4.8 billion in assets (as of 2021). Departmental business plans and project initiatives are aligned with the City's Integrated Action Plan, reinforcing the City's commitment to achieving the five key goals identified in City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined.

Support of the five goal areas includes:

A Green Nanaimo – Resilient and Regenerative Ecosystems

• NAC Dehumidification Improvement project: This project will renew end-of-life assets at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (NAC) while incorporating components that significantly reduce the facility’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The upgrades align with the City’s climate action goals and support long-term sustainability by improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Continued investment in programs that promote energy efficiency, climate awareness, and community-led environmental stewardship, including Building Benchmarking, Cool It! Program and Community Environmental Sustainability Project Grant Program.

A Connected Nanaimo – Equitable Access & Mobility

• Investment to strengthen an inclusive and accessible transportation network, including increased funding to provide resources to improve active transportation networks, Secure bike parking facilities, Pedestrian improvements such as flashers, audible signals and new sidewalks.

A Healthy Nanaimo – Community Wellbeing & Livability

• RCMP Staffing Expansion: Addition of 12 new RCMP members, phased in at four per year starting in 2025, to address community growth and increased demand for public safety services.

• Community Safety Officers Program: The program’s expansion will conclude with the onboarding of four final team members, completing the addition of ten new staff over the past two years to strengthen service delivery.12 new RCMP members over three years.

• Affordable Housing Support: Ongoing contributions to the Housing Legacy Reserve Fund to fund initiatives and projects that increase access to safe, stable housing for vulnerable populations.
• Leisure Economic Access Pass (LEAP): Continued funding to ensure equitable access to recreation programs and facilities for children, youth and families.
• Recreational Infrastructure Investments: Ongoing renewal and development of amenities, including new washroom facilities at Maffeo Sutton Park, Phase 3 improvements at Westwood Lake, including accessibility upgrades, Loudon Park Improvement project and Amenity buildings in the Stadium District.

An Empowered Nanaimo – Reconciliation, Representation & Inclusion

• Arts and Culture Investment: Operating grants for key cultural venues such as the Port Theatre, Nanaimo Museum, and Nanaimo Art Gallery. Increased funding for culture operating grants and culture project grants and continued funding for downtown event revitalization.

• Public Art Initiatives: Continued funding for the Temporary Public Art Program and specific installations or renewals in the Stadium District, Colliery Dam Park, Mansfield Park and Harewood Park.

• Reconciliation Events: Ongoing support for events to recognize National Indigenous People Day and Truth and Reconciliation Day.

A Prosperous Nanaimo – Thriving & Resilient Economy

• Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation: Funding to support efforts in promoting Nanaimo’s economic vitality and investment opportunities.

• Tourism Nanaimo: Continued support for the City’s designated Destination Marketing Organization as it shapes Nanaimo’s tourism landscape.

• Technology and Innovation: Investment in the development of a multi-year technology roadmap and digital strategy to guide secure, transparent, and cost-effective adoption of new technologies. Funding will also support the implementation of tech-based services to streamline City processes.

2026 - 2030 Financial Plan Quick Facts contains highlights of the Budget.

2026 Departmental Business Plans based on the draft budget and Business Cases that were submitted for consideration for inclusion in the Financial Plan are available below. 

Upcoming Budget Sessions: 

The City's integrated planning framework is comprised of separate but complementary planning processes.  These processes support alignment and integration of resources and activities to achieve the strategic goals and priorities set by Council. 

City Plan

In July 2022, Council adopted City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined (City Plan).  City Plan adopts the Doughnut Economics model (pictured below) as a framework for achieving its vision and articulates its focus through five goals.  The five goals provide the organizing structure for policies in the City Plan.  How and when the actions and policies described in the City Plan come to fruition is the work of City Council, and will evolve as community priorities shift over time.

2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan

In June 2023 Council endorsed the 2023-2026 Council Strategic Framework. The Framework reflects six key focus areas that will serve to guide Council's decision-making in the years ahead.  The six key focus areas are:

• Implementing City Plan Action Plans and Key Management Plans
• Social, Health and Public Safety Challenges
• Maintaining and Growing Current Services
• Capital Projects
• Communicating with Community
• Governance and Corporate Excellence

20 Year Investment Plan

At the June 14, 2023 Finance and Audit Committee meeting staff presented the 20 Year Investment Plan and Asset Management Plan Update.

The 20 Year Investment Plan and Asset Management Plan Update was led by the City's Asset Management Steering Committee with representation from across the organization including engineering, development, facilities, finance, IT, park operations and public works.

The City's investment in infrastructure supports service delivery of needed and desired services to the community.  The new estimated replacement cost of the City’s infrastructure is $4.8 billion (2021) an increase of $1.8 billion since the last update.

The 20 Year Investment Plan and Asset Management Plan Update, based on 2021 inventory, provides an overview of the City's long term investment plans and funding strategies. The plan includes investment in strategic initiatives, programs and projects, annual investment programs for renewal of existing infrastructure and new/upgraded infrastructure required for growth to maintain current levels of service. The plan will support Council's review and decision making regarding current planning processes, the City's Asset Management System and funding strategies. Projected investment is meant to be attention directing and will change as the timing, scope, and costing of projects, including costing adjustments to reflect current market pricing, is refined in each project planning cycle. 

Projected investment required over the next 20 years is $2.6 billion and current funding strategies may provide $1.6 billion. Strategies have been identified to help address the projected funding shortfall of approximately $1.0 billion including the recommendation to borrow as the funding strategy for the major capital projects under development (project costs, timing and required borrowing will be refined as projects are further developed). The projected shortfall includes $74.9 million in DCC contributions for new/upgraded infrastructure. The City undertook an update to the Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw, which was last revised in 2018.  At the February 23rd Council meeting, Council directed staff to proceed with a phased implementation of a new DCC program and the introduction of Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs).

Read the 20 Year Investment Plan and Asset Management Plan Update.

Get Involved!

Citizens have an opportunity to provide their input and engage in budget discussions once a Draft Financial Plan is presented to Council. Here is how:

• Attend Council and Finance and Audit Committee Meetings on Budget discussions
• Participate in the annual eTown Hall Meeting to discuss the City of Nanaimo's annual budget