Dieppe residents will see no increase in property taxes or water bills in 2026 as the city council approved its new budget.

Operating and capital budgets

The council adopted $89.6 million for the general operating budget and $16.6 million for water and sewer operations at its November 24 meeting.

Capital spending includes $38.6 million for general projects and $13.9 million for water and sewer. The annual water and sewer bill remains at $948, unchanged since 2020.

The property tax rate stays at $1.3650 per $100 of assessment.

Mayor Yvon Lapierre said holding the rate steady allows the city to provide services while helping residents manage higher living costs.

“Maintaining the property tax rate allows us to continue providing quality services to our growing population while supporting our residents, given the current rising cost of living,” Lapierre said in a release.

Projects and policing costs

Chief Administrative Officer Marc Melanson said the city will continue to follow its strategic plan in 2026.

“The public transit network will be enhanced, and the parks and green spaces plan will be implemented,” Melanson said.

He added that the city will renovate the Aquatic Centre, upgrade buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and invest in road and underground infrastructure. Preparations will also begin for Dieppe’s 75th anniversary in 2027.

Road projects planned for 2026 include:

• Improvements to the Champlain–Acadie intersection
• Replacement of water mains on Amirault Street from Dover to the southern limits of the municipality
• Addition of trails along Champlain Street and other arteries
• Realignment of Thomas Street
• Continued work on the extension of Dieppe Boulevard

Council also confirmed Dieppe’s contribution to the RCMP budget at $11.6 million. That figure reflects only the 17 new hires approved in 2025.

A request for 15 additional officers from the Codiac Regional Police Authority was not included because the council required a data analysis that was not provided.

All other budget increases were approved, resulting in a six per cent rise in 2026. The city said it has increased this budget envelope by 31 per cent over the past two years in response to CRPA requests.

Lapierre welcomed the provincial government’s initiative to modernize the tax system, calling it “an important step,” but said more work is needed to ensure municipalities have the resources to meet new responsibilities.

Local governance reform

As part of local governance reform, Dieppe continues to manage services for parts of the former Greater Lakeburn and Scoudouc local service districts.

In 2026, tax rates in those areas will rise by five cents, to $0.6945 per $100 of assessment in Greater Lakeburn and $0.6177 in Scoudouc.

These areas also pay a second tax directly to the province for services it continues to provide.

Revenue sources for the general operating budget include $81.1 million from property taxes, $500,000 from the community funding grant and $8 million from other sources.