The approved increase is 3.87%, the third-lowest since 2007.
After several years of sustained tax pressure, this marks a deliberate shift toward fiscal restraint.
Why This Budget Matters
To understand this year’s decisions, we must look at the broader economic context facing our region.
The 2022 Financial Reset
The Regional Recreation referendum permanently shifted significant costs to the CVRD, raising the regional financial baseline. We continue to operate within that framework.
Cost-of-Living Pressures
Inflation has moderated to approximately 2.1%, but household costs remain high. Mortgage renewals, groceries, utilities, and insurance continue to strain family budgets.
Industrial Disruption
The permanent closure of the Crofton pulp and paper mill and the shutdown of the Chemainus sawmill through 2026 have resulted in more than 400 direct job losses, with thousands of families affected across Vancouver Island. The full economic impact has yet to be felt.
In this environment, affordability is not a slogan; it is a responsibility.
A Commitment to Discipline
When our mandate was renewed in 2025, I committed to managing tax dollars responsibly while protecting core services. That commitment guided every budget discussion this year.
I advocated for a 2.5% target to better align with inflation and economic reality. Achieving that level would have required significant trade-offs due to contractual obligations and capital reserve requirements. While the final increase settled at 3.87%, the push for discipline mattered. Without it, the increase would have been higher.
Restraint requires intention.
Listening to Area G: Real Trade-Offs
Budgeting is about more than spreadsheets; it is about community impact.
Yard Waste Tipping Fees
A proposal to move yard waste disposal to a user-pay model would have shifted approximately $470,000 from general taxation to direct fees. While fiscally rational on paper, residents in Saltair and on Thetis Island raised clear concerns about illegal dumping, backyard burning, congestion at facilities, and growing fee fatigue following three-stream implementation.
The feedback was decisive. The service remains tax-funded.
Economic Development Funding
The Board voted to reduce the approximately $750,000 Economic Development budget to zero.
I support economic growth and want our industrial and commercial lands to be active and productive. However, for years, the Board declined to act on key policy levers — housing alignment, permitting reform, and industrial land-use adjustments — necessary to make that spending effective.
Funding a service without implementing the policies that support it does not deliver results. This decision focused on accountability and measurable value. A future Board may revisit it.
Area G’s Position
Area G remains the second-lowest tax jurisdiction per $100,000 of assessed value in the CVRD, behind only Area H.
Maintaining that position was central to every conversation. In a region facing economic headwinds and industrial uncertainty, protecting affordability for seniors, families, and local businesses remains essential.
Professional Administration
CVRD Finance and departmental staff provided detailed modelling, transparent reporting, and responsive analysis throughout the budget process. Their professionalism ensured decisions were data-driven and informed.
Strong governance depends on strong administration.
Community Meeting on March 8th
I will be hosting a community meeting on March 8th at 2:00 PM at the Saltair Community Centre to provide further updates and answer questions.
Topics will include:
- The 2026 CVRD Budget and its impact on Area G
- Official Community Plan (OCP) implications
- Local Area Plan (LAP) updates
- Water system infrastructure and treatment planning
Water System Update
Design work is underway to replace the Stocking Lake Dam. The CVRD’s $2.6 million share is fully funded through the Growing Communities Fund, with no impact on property taxes.
Two new groundwater wells are being connected to the system. Once operational, they can supply up to 100% of average winter demand and reduce reliance on surface water during dry periods.
The previously proposed standalone treatment plant was paused due to escalating costs. We are now reassessing more cost-effective options, including potential shared treatment with Ladysmith, to meet Island Health requirements while protecting affordability.
These decisions directly affect long-term sustainability and infrastructure planning in Saltair.
Closing
The 2026 budget is not perfect. At 3.87%, however, it reflects discipline amid economic uncertainty.
With industrial closures, elevated household costs, and an evolving regional economy, steady stewardship matters.
That remains my focus for Area G.
For questions, contact 250-252-6525 or [email protected].
