Charlottetown Approves $181-Million Budget
Posted on 03/31/2025
The City of Charlottetown today approved its 2025-26 budget that prioritizes fiscal responsibility while enabling ongoing investments to continue maintaining excellent quality of life for residents.
The balanced budget includes a $94.1-million operational and a $63.4-million capital budget for the City Corporation and a $16.3-million operational budget and a $6.9-million capital budget for the Water and Sewer Utility. The financial plan will sustain core services and support Charlottetown’s robust growth.
“We are fortunate that Charlottetown is attracting people who recognize the city is a great place to live, work, play, visit and do business,” said Councillor John McAleer, Chair of the Finance, Audit, Tendering and Administration Committee. “This growth also means we need to make sound financial decisions that support a thriving, resilient city now and for the future. I believe this budget keeps expenses under control while also making important investments in programs and services for our residents.”
This year’s budget highlights include:
• Environment and Sustainability - $2 million towards a larger transit capital project to purchase seven new transit buses and planning for four electric minibuses this year. The City will also invest $100,000 in operating funds to support the increase of public transit service in East Royalty and other service improvements. Investments will also support active transportation infrastructure and planning for a bikeshare program.
• Fire Department - $3.2 million towards finalizing new fire station design, site and pre-construction, and purchasing a new fire engine. The City will also hire two additional platoon chiefs next year.
• Police Services – Investment in capital equipment including technology to allow services to keep pace with emerging crime trends.
• Parks and Recreation - $6.87 million for a new artificial turf field, upgrades to the Elmer J. MacFayden Memorial Rink and Cody Banks Arena and finishing work at the new Simmons Sports Centre.
• Eastlink Centre - $3 million for repairs and renovations, architectural and engineering design work.
• Bell Aliant Centre - $6.3 million for various repairs and first phase of replacing refrigeration and dehumidification systems.
• Public Works - $30 million for maintaining City properties, redevelopment of brownfields, and repairs/upgrades to parkades, sidewalks, street surfaces, traffic lights and traffic signs.
• Water and Sewer Utility - $6.9 million for water distribution upgrades and wellfield protection.
“I’m very proud that Council once again worked with City staff to hold the line on expenses with some impact on services and programs,” said Mayor Philip Brown. “Achieving a balanced budget reflects our commitment to responsible fiscal management and working with our funding partners while making sustainable and continued investment in the priorities that matter to our community.”
There will be no increase to Charlottetown’s residential and commercial tax rates in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Water and Sewer Utility rates will increase 2.2 per cent to help maintain infrastructure and meet rising operational costs; this will mean an increase of approximately $14.41 annually or four cents a day for the average household.
Approving a balanced budget while making necessary investments to maintain and improve the quality of life for residents is integral to the City’s Strategic Plan.