Charlottetown City Council has approved the 2026-27 operating and capital budgets, adopting a balanced financial plan that protects core services while making strategic investments to support the city’s continued growth and long-term sustainability.
The approved budget maintains existing service levels, advances key infrastructure projects, and reflects responsible financial management at a time of global economic uncertainty. There is no change to the property tax rate.
The total combined capital budget for the City Corporation and the Water and Sewer Utility is $97.3 million, including $32.8 million in partner funding. Total City and Utility operating expenditures for 2026-27 are $118.3 million, supporting programs, services and the operation of existing infrastructure across the municipality.
“This budget strikes the right balance between fiscal responsibility and investing in the services and infrastructure residents depend on,” said Councillor John McAleer, Chair of the Finance, Audit, Tendering and Administration Committee. “While we face external pressures like rising costs and economic uncertainty, we are focused on what we can control—maintaining service levels, managing costs carefully, and continuing to invest in our growing city.”
The budget aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan, A Community for Everyone, which is now in its final year. More than 90 per cent of actions identified in the plan are complete or on track for completion by the end of 2026, reflecting priorities established through extensive engagement with residents, stakeholders, Council, and staff.
This year’s budget highlights include:
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Environment and Sustainability – continued investment in transit growth through the purchase of new full-sized diesel buses and electric minibuses, expanded transit service, and upgrades to bus shelters and transit technology to meet increased demand.
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Fire Department – $6 million for Phase 1 construction of a new fire station to serve the growing community.
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Public Works – Over $25 million for street rehabilitation and infrastructure upgrades, including planned work on Exhibition Drive, University Avenue, Spencer Drive, and Phase 1 improvements on Capital Drive and North River Road.
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Parks and Recreation – $1.1 million for construction of a multi-sport outdoor facility at the Elmer MacFadyen Memorial Recreational Complex and $3.3 million for construction of the new Simmons artificial turf field.
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Information Technology and Communications – Continued technological modernization, including development of a new City website to improve public access to information and services.
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Water and Sewer Utility – Ongoing investment in wellfield protection, sewer lift station upgrades, and necessary utility infrastructure associated with road construction projects.
The budget was shaped through a transparent and inclusive engagement process, including in-person town hall meetings held across the city, online consultation through CharlottetownHall.ca, and opportunities for residents to provide written feedback. All budget deliberations were conducted in public, livestreamed, and archived for the public record.
“This budget reflects sound financial planning and a clear focus on the priorities that matter most to our residents,” said Mayor Philip Brown. “It sustains essential services, advances critical infrastructure, and keeps the City on solid financial footing while we continue to build a community for everyone.”
Approving a balanced budget that delivers on the City’s Strategic Plan ensures Charlottetown remains well positioned to manage growth, respond to change, and invest responsibly in the years ahead.
The 2026-27 budget can be viewed
online. Hard copies can also be requested by contacting
[email protected]