Coldstream Residents Face Rising Taxes and Utility Bills in 2026

Residents of the District of Coldstream are seeing the financial impact of rising costs as the municipality rolls out its 2026 budget. Council indicates that necessary increases are due to a combination of inflation, essential service costs, and infrastructure needs.

Mayor Ruth Hoyte explained on the District of Coldstream website in the "Mayors Message" that mandatory expenses, including collective agreements, RCMP contracts, and inflation alone, are projected to raise taxes by approximately 6.7%.

On top of this, Council is planning to add modest levies for long-term projects:

• 1.5% for asset management - a separate line item on tax notices designed to fund repairs and replacement of aging infrastructure, such as the Lavington Pool, Kalavista Park tennis courts, and other road, water, and sewer projects.

  
  

• 0.5% toward an RCMP reserve to support hiring an additional officer

  
  

• 0.25% toward a lake access improvement reserve

The increases are said to be part of a broader strategy to maintain and improve Coldstream’s community facilities, infrastructure, and safety.

Utility bills are also rising, with some households reporting increases of more than 9% compared to previous periods.

The District says these adjustments reflect higher water costs through the Greater Vernon Water Utility as well as ongoing operational and maintenance expenses.

The District of Coldstream is inviting residents to provide feedback on the proposed 2026–2030 Financial Plan from January 13 to January 23, 2026.

Copies of the plan are available online and at Municipal Hall. Public input will help Council shape final decisions before the budget is adopted.

All figures mentioned, including the 6.7% base tax increase and the proposed levies, are estimates and may change once the 2026 budget is finalized.