Melville's city hall.Photo sourced from the City of Melville's Facebook page
Melville City Council has unveiled its proposed 2026 operating and capital budgets, outlining a 4.131 percent property tax increase and a 5.6 percent rise in utility rates, alongside millions in infrastructure and community investments.
City administration says the increases are necessary to meet new regulatory costs tied to the wastewater facility and landfill, while also funding roadwork, sidewalk expansions, and equipment upgrades. For residents, the utility hike translates to about $10 more per month on average bills.
Key Projects and Investments
- Roads: $720,000 to rebuild Vanier Drive East, plus grant‑dependent work on 3rd Avenue E to Highway 10 & 15 intersection
- Sidewalks: New stretches on Halifax, 2nd Avenue West, and 7th Avenue West, with safety grants expected to cover most costs.
- Parks & Recreation: Phase 2 of the popular Beach at the Dam, adding a floating dock, fire pits, and volleyball courts.
- Fire Department: Replacement of a failed breathing‑air compressor, a new Chief’s truck, and expanded training for volunteers.
- Public Works: New Trackless sidewalk machine, mower replacements, and fleet trucks.
- Smart Services: Rollout of 400 smart water meters and online account access for property taxes and utilities.
- Accessibility: A new stage ramp for the CN Community Centre and continued sidewalk hazard removal.
Financial Impacts
The budget also anticipates $206,600 in property and lot sales, $75,000 in landfill revenue from First Nations partnerships, and a 23 percent boost in cemetery revenues with the opening of a new columbarium. Payroll costs are set to rise 3.4 percent, reflecting collective agreements and council remuneration policies.
Full a full look at the budget CLICK HERE
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