Join us in shaping Saanich using our budget simulation tool

February 24, 2022

News release

For immediate release

Want to know how your tax dollars are shaping Saanich? Watch this video to better understand how Saanich makes important strategic and financial planning decisions.

 

Join us in shaping Saanich using our budget simulation tool

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich’s draft 2022 to 2026 Financial Plan and online budget education tool are now available. The budget simulation tool provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about the financial planning process while Council deliberates the draft plan.

Saanich residents are encouraged to participate in the online budget simulation tool which provides an opportunity to explore and make adjustments to how their tax dollars are allocated to Saanich’s programs. Real-time results allow residents to see how budget changes could impact their property taxes.

“I encourage all Saanich residents, especially property owners who are interested in learning how their tax dollars are shaping Saanich, to take a few minutes to go online and try our budget education tool,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “It’s an easy way to learn about our financial planning process and provide input into the critical funding decisions Council is currently making.”

The draft Financial Plan is based on guidelines adopted by Council last summer. The draft plan includes the annual budget for the municipality as well as the proposed 2022 Saanich Police and Greater Victoria Public Library budgets all for Council’s consideration.

Educational resources

Saanich’s budget education tool was launched in 2019 as part of an education initiative to help residents better understand how Saanich makes strategic and financial planning decisions. Comments submitted by residents in the tool will be provided to Council as citizen feedback.

The tool is available at saanich2022.ethelo.net from now until March 15, 2022.  

Residents may also review a variety of informational fact sheets to help them learn about Saanich’s important decision-making processes:

Share your input

Saanich will hold six budget meetings from March 1 until April 6, 2022. At these Committee of the Whole meetings, Saanich residents are welcome to share their feedback with Council during the public input sections.

All Councils meetings are available via live webcast and the webcasts are recorded and include presentation materials which can be viewed at your convenience.

You are encouraged to share your input by:

  • Emailing budget@saanich.ca or council@saanich.ca by noon on the day of the meeting;
  • Mailing or dropping off written feedback at the Municipal Hall drop box by noon on the day of the meeting; or
  • Registering to call in and speak at the meeting. Registration details are available on the meeting agenda.

While in-person attendance is now permitted, space for attendees in the Council Chambers is extremely limited due to COVID-19 related safety measures and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s recommended that applicants and/or residents who wish to attend the meeting in person have an alternate plan for electronic participation in case space is not available. Electronic participation is strongly recommended.

Next steps

Council deliberates on the draft Financial Plan over the next couple of months. Council will adopt the Financial Plan and Tax Rate Bylaws on May 9, 2022.

Learn more

Access the budget education tool, budget meeting schedule, draft Financial Plan, and other educational resources at saanich.ca/budget.

-30-

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