Council Approves 2026 Budget

RIVERVIEW, NB – Riverview Town Council approved the 2026 General and Utility Fund Operating and Capital budgets at its public meeting on November 5, 2025, with the final ratification taking place during the Regular Council Meeting on November 10. Highlights include maintaining a flat tax rate, major strides in the continued construction of the Riverview Recreation Complex, and significant investments in upholding high service standards.

Notable Highlights from the Approved Budget:

• The Town plans a $43M Operating Budget and $43.5M Capital Budget.  
• The tax rate will remain flat at $1.3826 per $100 of assessed property value. The tax rate has been reduced by 21 cents over the past 5 years.  
• The residential water and sewer rate will increase by $8 ($928 annually) per residential user (0.9% increase), and to $3.42 per cubic meter for commercial users (2.1% increase).  
• The Debt Ratio for 2026 is projected to be 7.56%.
• Council unanimously consented to support an increase of $295K (a 4.7% increase) to the RCMP instead of the CRPA request of a 16.53% increase. This budget is based off of no new members being added to the police service as opposed to the requested 17. This is a result of the CRPA not adhering to the request of the three Councils of Moncton, Riverview, and Dieppe, that new budget proposals need accompanying data analysis or business cases to better understand the impact of adding new members to the tri-community. This means that an arbitration process will be triggered, with the Minister of Local Government serving as the arbitrator.  

Capital Project Highlights 

Building for the future with key facility upgrades and major project milestones.  

• 2026 represents a pivotal year for operational readiness of the Riverview Recreation Complex, with a $34.7M investment in construction completion.
• Investments totaling $2.3M in Public Works equipment to support core operational services for both snow and ice control and general operations.  
• $335K investment in the Byron Dobson Arena for lifecycle upgrades and key facility components, including grandstands, dressing rooms, dehumidifiers, and washrooms.  
• Due to structural deterioration from carpenter ant damage, the Caseley Park Bandstand is scheduled for removal in 2026 to make way for future improvements.  

Better Streets Across Town

Enhancing everyday travel with upgraded roads, utilities, and lighting. 

• $2.13M Road reconstruction projects on Vernon Ave. (Manning Rd. to Hiltz Ave.) and Hiltz Ave., including water and sewer components. $1.05M invested in watermain renewals scheduled for Biggs Dr. and Karolie Rd., and a $1.9M sewer replacement on Cleveland Ave.  
• Local improvements totaling $1.64M in paving management on Hillsborough Rd. (Harmony Dr. to Manning Rd.), and Blythwood Ave. (Phillip Rd. to Bayley Rd.),  
• $250K allocated to address pedestrian and traffic concerns, and improved street lighting along Coverdale Rd.  
• 500 trees will be added to the Town’s urban tree canopy on lots that do not have a tree in their right of way.  

Upholding the Town’s High Service Standard & Community Investment 

Building capacity to better serve residents and strengthen community partnerships with organizations that support Riverview. 

• A new “Assistant Manager of Public Works” position with the Department of Engineering and Public Works to provide direct supervision and support of foremen and operators.
• A new “Community Recreation Worker (Special Populations)” role with the Department of Parks, Recreation, & Community Relations to focus on older adult programming and volunteer coordination.  
• Council also came to consensus on the awarding of the following relationship grants:
  • You Turns in the amount of $20,400
  • Riverview Arts Centre in the amount of $86,700
  • Riverview Boys & Girls Club in the amount of $53,593 in-kind for building rental, in addition to a one-time award of $15K.  
  • Council also recommended that Atlantic Wellness be considered for a relationship grant instead of a community grant beginning in 2027.  

With an overall assessment base growth of 5.1%, Riverview continues to experience steady, sustainable growth. This budget represents Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining quality services, enhancing community spaces, and planning responsibly for the future — ensuring Riverview remains a thriving, connected community for all residents.