Council has approved the 2026 budget, notably featuring about a 3.97% property tax increase for 2026.

The Township’s announcement emphasized added public safety staffing, including new RCMP officers, firefighters, bylaw officers, and a Fire Life Safety Educator. Mayor Eric Woodward said the budget “keeps our property taxes among the lowest in the region.”

The five-year financial plan attached to the adopted bylaw also shows Schedule B of Langley 2026-2030 Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 6207 as listing property taxes and levies of $216,254,845 in 2026 and $265,860,476 in 2027. This represents an increase of about $49.6 million, or roughly 22.9%, in one year.

While tax rates are set separately, and assessments, growth, and property class distribution are all relevant, it is still part of the approved financial plan.

The same schedule shows debt service increasing from $53,198,781 in 2026 to $73,657,720 by 2030. It also lists $334,422,146 in proceeds from borrowing for the 2026 capital plan, followed by $50 million in each of the following four years.

The Township has described the budget as supporting a fast-growing community while maintaining services. Growth brings roads, parks, policing, fire protection, recreation, drainage, utilities, and other costs. One question is whether the public conversation has matched the full five-year numbers, not only the first-year tax increase.

The bylaw was adopted on March 23, after first, second, and third readings on March 9. During the March 9 debate, councillors opposed to the budget expressed concerns, including regarding debt, reserve use, transparency, and unfunded infrastructure. The vote proceeded 5-4.

The important distinction for residents is between what they will pay in 2026, and what the Township’s five-year plan says may come after that. The 2026 tax increase will be felt first, and then the five-year plan shows where the Township’s finances are headed.

A 3.97% increase is the 2026 headline. The 2027 property tax and levy projection may also be of interest.