Central Saanich has approved its five-year financial plan for 2025 to 2029, setting a $71.9 million budget that focuses on renewing infrastructure, supporting police services, and funding the local library. The new budget lowers the planned tax hike from 7.8% to 7.2%, easing the impact on homeowners.
The budget followed public consultation that began with the release of a draft on February 28. Residents shared their views in meetings on March 31 and April 7, helping shape the final plan. The initial proposal had suggested an average annual tax increase of $199 per household, or 7.8%. Now, with the adjustments, the average homeowner will pay about $185 more per year.
Mayor Ryan Windsor stressed the council’s focus on managing funds carefully while meeting the community’s needs. He said, “We have done all of this with a prudent budget and are trying to fill in many gaps left in the past. Our tax increase, while not small, is one of the lowest in the Capital Region.”
A key part of the budget is a $27 million investment in critical infrastructure upgrades. Like many areas in British Columbia, Central Saanich faces challenges from aging water pipes, sewers, and roads, some built in the 1960s and 1980s. In 2017, the district assessed over $565 million worth of assets and created a plan to manage repairs and replacements proactively.
To help pay for this, a tax levy was added in 2018, which raised about $30 on the average property tax bill each year. Water and sewer rates are also being raised gradually to support future needs.
The 2025 budget also includes plans to replace municipal buildings. This will be funded through capital reserves, possible land sales, and borrowing without raising property taxes further. To keep residents involved, council will hold community meetings and online surveys throughout the year to get more feedback.
Councillor Sarah Riddell, who supported the budget, praised its forward-thinking approach. She said, “We are not going to leave major infrastructure problems for future generations. Waiting only adds to costs due to inflation and emergency repairs.”
Riddell also pointed out the budget’s attention to community safety and livability. It funds active transportation projects such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails. She added, “These make our community safer and more livable.” She also highlighted that the budget helps maintain healthy reserves, giving the district flexibility for unexpected issues.
However, not everyone agreed. Councillor Zeb King voted against the budget, concerned about rising costs and the strain on residents with fixed incomes. King argued that the budget focuses too much on wants rather than needs. He also mentioned worries about increasing staff, a strong push for development, and a growing police budget.
King stated, “This budget and its priorities do not reflect world conditions and dangers on the horizon.” He has opposed past budgets for similar reasons, noting that rising costs outpace many residents’ income growth.
It’s important to know that the municipal budget makes up about half of the total property tax bill. The rest goes to regional agencies.
Property tax notices will be mailed this month. Homeowners can apply for grants online at www.gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant. The deadline to pay property taxes is July 2.
The final step in the budget process will be council’s vote to adopt the bylaw at their regular meeting on May 12. The deadline for the budget to be adopted is May 15.
