News release 

For immediate release  

Saanich 2022 Budget renews commitment to the Strategic Plan

Saanich, BC – On Monday, May 9, 2022, Saanich Council adopted the five-year Financial Plan Bylaw as well as the 2022 Tax Rate Bylaw. These bylaws establish the operating and capital plans for all municipal programs, including the tax revenue required to support service delivery.

The 2022-2026 Financial Plan was first presented to Council as a draft on March 1, 2022 and was further refined during a series of budget meetings that followed in March and April. During the budget meetings, highlights of the operating and capital budgets were provided to enable Saanich Council to discuss and amend the budget based on evolving community priorities.

Saanich residents participated in the budget education tool and provided feedback and input into the municipal budget, which helps inform Council’s deliberation of the draft budget, leading to the approval of the final 2022 Budget.

“The 2022 Financial Plan enables us to continue investing in and maintaining the everyday services that Saanich residents rely on and enjoy. We listened to residents on their core concerns and this budget provides improvements in the programs and initiatives of the highest importance to the community,” said Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes.

The District ofSaanich’s 2022-2026 Financial Plan, also known as the budget, outlines spending for municipal programs, services and infrastructure. The 2022 Financial Plan establishes an average tax rate increase of 6.67 per cent. This equates to a $199.65 increase for the average existing homeowner in Saanich. The actual increase experienced by property owners will also be impacted by their assessment change from 2021.

This year Council approved additions to the budget to address strategic plan goals and initiatives in the following areas among others.

Affordable Housing, Land Use and Infrastructure
Council approved an addition to the budget of $227,000 to hire new staff to:

• work on affordable housing planning and policy issues; and
• work on tree protection and management.

Climate Action and Environmental Leadership

Council approved an addition to the budget of $223,000 to support:

• new positions to support the acceleration of the Active Transportation Plan;
• new positions in Facility Sustainable Energy, Technical Engineering and Drainage Programs to undertake Climate Action Planning;
• increased funds for tree planting; and
• increased hours for watershed and invasive species management.

Community Well-being

Council approved an addition to the budget of $753,000 to support:

• funding a Human Resources Manager, People and Programs position to develop human resource strategies to improve service delivery to the community;
• increased hours for our Volunteer Service Coordinator to provide additional volunteer opportunities in local parks;
• implementation of the Older Adult Strategy; and
• funding ongoing Diversity, Equity and Arts Programs.

Economic Diversification

Council approved an addition to the budget of $610,000 to support:

• five positions to advance development review improvements and efficiencies.

Organizational Excellence

Council approved an addition to the budget of $630,000 to support:

• new positions in Finance, Human Resources, Legislative Services, Communications and Recreation to support and maintain excellent service levels provided by key internal corporate functions;
• new positions in IT to increase the value realized from IT assets, investments and capabilities; and
• new positions in bylaw services to assist with bylaw enforcement functions and increase complaint-driven investigation capabilities.

The 2022-2026 Financial Plan and our 2022 Budget in Brief are available at Saanich.ca/budget.

Quick facts

• For the average residential property-owner, a 6.67 percent increase translates to an additional $199.65 per year, or $16.64 a month for municipal services. Actual increases experienced by property owners will vary depending upon their assessment change from 2021.
• Municipal taxes are only one portion of a property tax bill, which also includes other levies the District collects on behalf of the Province, Capital Regional District, Capital Regional Hospital District, BC Assessment, BC Transit and Municipal Finance Authority.
• Saanich’s basic operations include more than 100 services.
• Saanich will mail tax notices and informational materials to all property owners before the end of May 2022.
• Payment of taxes and annual homeowner grant applications are due on or before July 4, 2022.
• Property owners can apply for their home owner grant online or by phone with the Province. Municipalities do not accept or process home owner grants. 

 

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