Budget Overview
A municipal budget outlines how the City delivers services, maintains infrastructure, and invests in the community over the coming year. It balances community priorities with available revenues such as taxes, fees, and grants. In Nelson, we know there are significant capital projects ahead—including the force main replacement and a new fire hall. Thoughtful budget planning helps meet residents’ needs today while preparing for the future.
City of Nelson staff have presented on Nelson Hydro, Water, Wastewater, and Resource Recovery utility budgets to Council in Fall of 2025. Staff will now present a series of budget presentations to Council over five weeks, beginning Friday, January 9 regarding the general operating budget. The public is welcome to attend any or all of these meetings in person. They will also be livestreamed online on the city's YouTube channel, with recordings available afterward. Keeping these presentations open and accessible helps residents understand how decisions are made and how public funds are allocated—and gives them an opportunity to provide input.
This engagement page will be updated regularly to include meeting recordings and supporting documents, and provides an avenue for residents to share comments and questions with the Finance department. Hit the 'Follow' button above to receive notifications when this site is updated, or check back often to get the latest information about Budget 2026.
Working to keep costs down
The City is navigating broader economic pressures, including rising costs across many areas of operations. We are focused on keeping taxes as affordable as possible while carefully managing spending and reducing non-essential expenses. Departments closely reviewed their budgets to find ways to reduce, reallocate, or better manage spending, including adjusting how resources are used to limit additional costs.
At the same time, staff continue to explore alternative revenue sources to reduce reliance on property taxes. By pursuing new funding opportunities and making better use of existing assets, the City is working to ease financial pressures while maintaining service levels.
Budget Presentations
Day 1: Friday, January 9, 2026
Watch the first day of budget presentations on the City of Nelson YouTube channel.
Who Presented: Budget Introduction, HomeSave, IT, Farmer’s Market, Youth Centre, and Campground
View the department presentations here:
HomeSave Program
Information Technology (IT) Presentation
Nelson & District Youth Centre
