Saanich council has approved its 2025 budget, which includes an 8.02 per cent property tax increase to maintain services and invest in infrastructure and community projects.
The five-year financial plan and 2024 tax rate bylaws were adopted following public consultation and internal cost-cutting efforts.
“Saanich continues to grapple with multiple pressures including rising costs to maintain infrastructure and the need to prepare for anticipated growth in the future,” said Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock. “Those decisions were informed by what we heard from residents at our public budget meetings and online engagement activities, and we thank everyone who took part.”
New investments include transportation upgrades and the replacement of sports fields and playgrounds, to projects using district-owned land.
The costliest capital projects this year include the $22-million replacement of Saanich’s Fire Hall No. 2 and the $17.3-million Library and Affordable Housing Project at the former Nellie McClung branch.
Parks and playgrounds are also set for upgrades, with $3.2 million going toward infrastructure replacements at Blair Park, Maltwood Park, the Viewmont tennis court, Reynolds sport courts and greenway improvements along Derby Road in Cedar Hill Park.
Funds will also support work in natural areas and urban forestry. An additional $200,000 has been set aside for bikeway improvements.
Of this year’s $137-million capital budget, the largest portions will go to vehicles and equipment (26 per cent), facilities (25 per cent) and transportation (15 per cent).
According to the district, the average homeowner will pay $5,594 in local taxes and fees this year. That includes $1,008 for police, $720 for sanitary sewers and $603 for waterworks, among other services.
Tax notices will arrive by mail soon. Payments and homeowner grant applications are due by July 2. Grants must be claimed through the province.
More details are available at saanich.ca/budget.
