BUDGET 2026

On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the Town of Carbonear held a Special Council Meeting for the release of Budget 2026.  Finance and Administration Standing Committee chairperson, Peter Snow, presented the 2026 Budget for the Town of Carbonear.

Overall Budget

• Balanced 2026 operating budget: $9,221,719
• Continued commitment to prudent financial management while maintaining service levels.
• Town remains deficit free with a Debt Servicing Ratio of 15%, well below the 30% recommended threshold.

Taxation & Affordability

• Mill rate reduced by 0.25 mills:
  • Residential: 6.5 mills
  • Commercial: 8.75 mills
• Interest-free tax payment plan continues.
  • Household income eligibility threshold increased from $60,000 to $70,000.

Capital Investment & Infrastructure

• Approximately $4.7M in capital upgrades completed in recent years, with 80% cost-shared funding from provincial and federal governments.
• 2026 capital works applications: approx. $4.24M for water, sewer, and street projects.
• Priority projects include:
  • Cross Roads Water & Sewer Upgrades (secondary water supply for hospital & LTC facility)
  • Water Street East upgrades
  • Bunker Hill & Woodwynd Heights pumphouse upgrades
• Ongoing studies:
  • Sanitary Sewer System (Federal Wastewater Effluent Regulations compliance)
  • Water System Vulnerability Study
  • Comprehensive Leak Detection Program

Departmental Budget Highlights

• Transportation Services – $2.59M
  • Largest departmental budget
  • Road maintenance, snow clearing, storm systems, and equipment replacement
  • Continued equipment renewal to reduce breakdowns
• Recreation & Cultural Services – $1.66M
  • Accessible playground at the Recreation Complex remains a priority
  • Site planning for future recreation facilities
  • Continued investment in Heritage Waterfront District and town greenspaces
• Environmental Health – $923,928
  • Garbage and recycling collection (no increase in service costs for 2026)
  • Water and sewer system maintenance
  • Emphasis on environmental sustainability and waste reduction
• Protective Services – $282,479
  • Municipal enforcement and fire protection
  • Increased firefighter training and honorarium
  • Budget provision for replacement of aging fire department crew cab
• Planning & Development – $302,286
  • Downtown revitalization and business attraction
  • Promotion of housing and commercial development
  • 2025 development activity: 344 permits valued at $9.5M
  • New 10-year Municipal Plan nearing provincial registration
• Government Services – $1.36M
  • Administrative services and fiscal oversight
  • Supports delivery of all municipal programs
• Fiscal Services – $2.11M
  • Debt servicing for infrastructure, roads, equipment, and buildings

Figure 1Councillor Peter Snow, Chair of Finance & Administration Standing Committee, prepared to present Budget 2026

Figure 2Town of Carbonear Council listening as Councillor Peter Snow presents Budget 2026