Campbell River Council Finalizes 2024-2033 Financial Plan

Campbell River Council has finalized the City’s 2024-2033 Financial Plan.

The City says the 2024 Budget moves Council’s strategic priorities forward, with an emphasis on community safety, growth, and downtown revitalization.

It includes a tax increase of 3.47 per cent, adds needed corporate supports and resources, and maintains current service levels for the community.

Mayor Kermit Dahl says the budget delivers on Council’s priorities, meets the needs of the community and addresses residents’ concerns.

He noted that council did not move away from the expectations set during 2023 financial planning, where they made it clear that a moderate tax increase would be coming, but it’s down significantly from the projected 8.13 percent increase.

Some highlights include:

·         $1.4 million over three years towards improving downtown safety, including the expansion of security patrols, Downtown Safety Office operations, public works clean-ups, and two additional Bylaw Enforcement Officers.

·         New positions supporting community safety, including a Bylaw Enforcement Manager and four Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members.

·         Funding to complete the City’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.

·         Projects to support the revitalization of the downtown core.

The Budget also includes funding to maintain core services, as well as projects to support community vibrancy and amenities such as the CR Live Streets and Spirit Square Concert Series.

Looking forward, it includes planning, asset management and infrastructure projects to accommodate growth and changing community needs, as well as commitments to improve Indigenous relations and increase opportunities to collaborate on development and economic initiatives with the Wei Wai Kum and We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations.

View the financial plan documents at City of Campbell River, watch the budget meeting recordings at Campbell River Webcasts, or read the full news release at 2024 Budget.

The 2024-2033 Financial Plan is approved in principle and will be considered for three readings and adoption at a Council meeting in the coming weeks.