On Property Tax Assessments

In my platform, I’ve talked about the issue of property taxes, both from a municipal mill rate perspective and from the provincial property assessment perspective.

Since 2023 the province have increased property assessment consistently; some folks have seen 30 and 40% increases in their assessment. Yes: last year there was spike protection for some and yes, some people’s assessments were frozen in 2026. Despite that, with the increases in assessments, revenues increased for municipalities, with many opting to reduce their mill rate to try and balance the increased demand on their residents;. Arcadia chose to maintain the mill rate since 2023, meaning residents are paying more property taxes every year. More than likely, your assessment will be increasing in 2027 . I know mine is, given the new “market” value on my 2026 bill.. That’s more out of our pockets.

From today’s TJ:

“Liberals set to roll out ‘significant’ changes to property tax system” “N.B.’s property assessment methods ‘in line’ with international best practice: minister.” “Municipalities across New Brunswick have been calling for years for property tax reform, warning that residential taxpayers are increasingly shouldering the tax burden.” “Last year, the Liberals announced a property assessment freeze for the 2026 taxation year to buy themselves more time to deliver on a campaign promise to review and overhaul the province’s property tax system.” “New Brunswick’s two municipal associations responded with outrage when a one-year assessment freeze was announced by the Liberals for the 2026 taxation year. They expected the one-year freeze would cost them up to $58 million.”

Let that sink in - the bulk, I suspect, of that 58 million in lost “increased” revenues was undoubtedly to come from you and I.

In my view, the tax burden is an important issue; one of many. Residents aren’t an endless money supply. When affordability is gone, what’s left?

This is why I am the candidate talking about trying to do something to alleviate the tax burden on the residents of Arcadia. There’s a path to that and it doesn’t mean sacrifices and “cuts”. It boils down to fiscal sensibility; spending within your means, no non-necessary spending and resolve. You have to have the will.

Ask all of the candidates (both mayoral and in your councillor candidate) their view on this matter.

Thanks for listening.