News Release
For Immediate Release

 

Saanich, BC – Saanich’s solid financial plan sets the course for investment in programs and infrastructure.

On May 10, Saanich Council passed the Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw as well as the 2017 Tax Rate Bylaw. These bylaws establish the operating and capital plans for all municipal services for the coming years, including the tax revenue required to support them.

"Saanich's 2017 financial plan focuses on sustainability in order to meet the expectations of our citizens", said Mayor Richard Atwell. "This year, we have increased funding for critical resources requests to improve service levels whilst we continue to bolster our infrastructure through our strategic capital projects plan". 

The financial plan builds on existing programs and services, and includes the following highlights:

• Continuing to keep Saanich safe with an investment of $2.2 million in safe community programs and infrastructure.
• Improving natural areas by investing $2.86 million in trails, parks and playgrounds.
• Addressing underground infrastructure needs with an investment of over $10 million to continue replacing aging sewer and water mains.
• Investing $1.5 million to improve Finnerty Road by providing walking and cycling connections to UVIC and nearby Arbutus Middle School.
• Enhancing accessibility by allocating a minimum $1.5 million to improve and rehabilitate sidewalks.
• Allocating $1.175 million in various road improvements to bus stops, signals and traffic lights. 

Each year, Saanich is faced with balancing the budget and assessing any tax rate increases that may be required to do so.  After careful consideration, Council approved the 2017 Tax Rate Bylaw, which establishes a tax rate increase of 3.53 per cent for existing homeowners. This equates, on average, to an additional $86 per year for residential property owners.

Quick Facts:

• The municipal property tax increase allocates 2.29 per cent to support current levels of municipal and police operations, .86 per cent for capital infrastructure replacement, .28 per cent for resource requests that support service delivery and .10 per cent for the Greater Victoria Public Library.
• Tax notices will be mailed out to all property owners on title before the end of May.
• Payment of taxes and annual homeowner grant applications are due on or before July 4, 2017.

Learn More:

To view the financial plan and factsheets, visit: saanich.ca

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Media Contact: 

Valla Tinney
Director of Finance
250-475-1775 ext. 5521
valla.tinney@saanich.ca