Central Saanich has adopted its five-year financial plan, a $71.9 million budget that includes investment in infrastructure renewal, police services and library funding.
The approval follows a period of public consultation, beginning with the release of a draft budget on Feb. 28. Residents had the opportunity to provide feedback during budget meetings held on March 31 and April 7.
The initial proposal, a $71.6 million budget, suggested an average annual tax increase of $199 per household, representing a 7.8 per cent rise.
However, following revisions and careful consideration, the adopted 2025-2029 budget reflects a reduced tax impact of 7.2 per cent.
Under the approved plan, the average Central Saanich homeowner will see an increase of $185 per year on their property tax bill.
Mayor Ryan Windsor emphasized the council's commitment to fiscal responsibility while addressing long-standing needs.
"We have done all of this with a prudent budget and we are trying to fill in a lot of gaps that weren't filled in the past," he said. "Our tax lift this year, while not insignificant, is among the lowest in the Capital Region."
A cornerstone of the financial plan is a $27 million investment in critical infrastructure renewal.
Like many municipalities across British Columbia, Central Saanich is grappling with aging infrastructure, much of which dates back to the 1960s and 1980s.
In 2017, the district identified over $565 million in district-owned assets and developed an asset management plan to proactively address upcoming replacement and repair needs. To ensure sustainable funding for infrastructure projects, a tax levy was introduced in 2018, adding approximately $30 to the average home's annual property tax bill.
Water and sewer rates are also being gradually adjusted to ensure long-term sustainability.
The 2025 budget further outlines a plan to replace municipal facilities, utilizing capital reserves (including potential land sales) and debt financing strategies, without imposing additional property tax increases.
Council plans to hold community meetings and online surveys throughout the year to gather further input on these initiatives.
Coun. Sarah Riddell, who voted in favour of the financial plan, highlighted the budget's proactive approach to addressing future challenges.
"We are not going to leave major infrastructure problems for future generations," she said. "We know waiting can cause additional costs in terms of inflation, but also when there's an emergency."
Riddell also emphasized the budget's focus on community priorities, including investments in active transportation, sidewalks, bike lanes and trails.
"These are things that make our community safer and more livable," she noted. She also praised the budget's financial responsibility, saying, it allows the district to maintain healthy reserves to navigate unforeseen challenges.
However, the adoption of the financial plan was not without dissent.
Coun. Zeb King voted against the proposal, expressing concerns about the rising costs and the burden on residents with fixed incomes.
In a statement to Peninsula News Review, King, the only councillor opposed to the 2025 budget, explained his reasoning.
"Many of our residents are on a fixed income, and it is clear to me that municipal 'wants' are again outstripping 'needs'."
He cited concerns about escalating staffing levels, an emphasis on development "at all costs," and a growing police budget as contributing factors.
"This budget and its priorities do not reflect world conditions and dangers on the horizon," he added.
King has consistently voted against the council budget in previous years, citing similar concerns about escalating costs outpacing residents' income growth.
It is important to note that the municipal portion of the budget accounts for roughly half of overall property taxes. The remaining portion is collected on behalf of regional agencies.
Property tax notices are scheduled to be mailed out this month, after which homeowners will be able to claim homeowner grants online through the www.gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant. The property tax payment deadline is July 2.
The final step in the budget approval process will be the consideration of the bylaw adoption at the regular council meeting on Monday, May 12. The deadline for budget adoption is May 15.
