City of Vancouver approves 2018 budget, with a last-minute property tax hike

Vancouver homeowners should be ready to pay more the next time the property tax bill comes in the mail.

The City of Vancouver has approved its 2018 capital and operating budget — and with it, an unexpected property tax hike.

Staff had originally recommended a 3.9 per cent hike but Vision Councillor Raymond Louie made a last-minute proposal to increase it again by 0.34 per cent.

The 4.24-per-cent hike was approved by all Vision councillors and the mayor, but NPA Coun. George Affleck disagreed with the move.

“It came as a complete surprise, there was no consultation with us or for the public for that matter,” said Affleck.

Louie explained that the hike would go toward housing initiatives and social grants.

“If he needed to find a couple million bucks, I’m pretty sure if he dug around the budget in next year’s finances, he could have found it,” said Affleck.

Before the extra tax, the city estimated a median household would be on the hook for an extra $87 per year, but Affleck said owners will now be on the hook for more.

However, finance chair and Vision Coun. Heather Deal said last-minute amendments to recommendations come up all the time.

Deal agreed that having more time to prepare is better, but added changes like those are normal for council.

The city approved the $1.4-billion operating budget and $425 million toward capital costs.