Saanich Council adopts Financial Plan and Tax Rate Bylaws

April 29, 2020

News release 

For immediate release 

Saanich Council adopts Financial Plan and Tax Rate Bylaws

Saanich, BC –Saanich Council passed the five-year Financial Plan Bylaw as well as the 2020 Tax Rate Bylaw at its April 27 meeting. These bylaws establish the operating and capital plans for all municipal programs, including the tax revenue required to support service delivery.

The District ofSaanich’s 2020-2024 Financial Plan, also known as the budget, outlines spending for municipal programs, services and infrastructure.

“Our intention with this year’s budget is to provide as much relief as possible to all of our residents who are feeling the financial impacts of COVID-19 while continuing our existing service levels,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “The limited increase balances the need for relief without having to reduce the essential services that our residents depend on and enjoy.”

The approved budget allows the municipality to continue base operations. Saanich’s basic operations include more than 100 services. The core budget includes many of Council’s priorities including previously directed work on environmental protection, active transportation and response to climate change.

The 2020 Tax Rate Bylaw establishes an average tax rate increase of 2.4 per cent for existing homeowners. This equates to a $65 increase for the average existing homeowner in Saanich.

Council brought the previously approved tax increase of 3.74% down to 2.4% through a reduction to the transfer to a capital reserve fund in recognition of the financial struggles Saanich taxpayers may be experiencing during the pandemic.

Quick facts

  • The municipal property tax increase allocates 2.85% to support current levels of municipal and police operations and services; 0.11% for the Greater Victoria Public Library; and a reduction to funding for capital infrastructure replacement by .56% of taxation.
  • Saanich will mail tax notices and informational materials to all property owners before the end of May 2020.
  • Payment of taxes and annual homeowner grant applications are due on or before July 2, 2020.
  • More information on how and where residents can pay their property tax and changes to late penalties will be available in the coming days.

Learn more

Interested in learning more about Saanich’s financial planning process? Visit saanich.ca/shapingsaanich for educational resources about:

The 2020-2024 Financial Plan will be available at saanich.ca soon.

-30-

Media contact:
Valla Tinney
Director of Finance
250-475-5521
valla.tinney@saanich.ca