Chilliwack City Council expected to finalize 7.17 tax increase Tuesday

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack City Council will meet Tuesday to vote on a bylaw that would see residential property taxes rise by more than seven per cent this year.

The rate must be set by May 15 and follows the adoption of the city’s 2025 Financial Plan.

Council has already approved a 7.17 per cent tax increase as part of that plan, which city staff say is needed to cover inflationary and non-discretionary costs while funding infrastructure and capital projects without debt. The staff report notes the city will continue to follow its pay-as-you-go no-debt capital financing policy

According to a report from city staff, escalating RCMP contract costs are the largest driver of the tax increase, accounting for 3.44 per cent alone. The plan includes funding for five new RCMP officers, 3.5 support staff, and two additional firefighters to support public safety.

Other staffing additions include a new bylaw enforcement officer, more finance and human resources personnel, a fleet mechanic and a parks worker to keep up with growing service demands and increased green space.

Despite the proposed hike, the city staff report says Chilliwack still maintains the lowest property tax levels in the Lower Mainland.