Saanich’s 2024 Budget prioritizes services and infrastructure

News Release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – Saanich’s new budget will ensure that residents continue to receive the high-quality core services they rely on, and that the District’s infrastructure can keep pace with those needs as our community continues to grow.

Following an extensive process, Council has adopted the five-year Financial Plan Bylaw as well as the 2024 Tax Rate Bylaw which establish the operating and capital plans for all municipal programs, including the tax revenue required to support service delivery.

“We thank all Saanich residents who shared their input through email, public budget meetings and online engagement opportunities — many of whom expressed their desire to see services maintained within a reasonable tax increase,” says Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock. “In recent years, it’s become apparent that some of our aging facilities and infrastructure require significant upgrades to maintain the service levels our residents depend on. Saanich is prioritizing long-term support for infrastructure and facility replacement costs, but approaching this incrementally to keep the tax lift manageable for people.”

At the same time, Saanich is making meaningful, strategic investments to benefit our community now and in the future.

“This includes creating more homes, more quickly; making our roads safer and expanding opportunities for active transportation; protecting our environment and preparing for future climate change impacts; further diversifying our economy and supporting local businesses; and ensuring a welcoming, inclusive community for everyone who calls Saanich home,” continues Murdock. “Throughout our deliberations, Council has worked to strike the right balance — taking a disciplined approach to keep the tax increase manageable while continuing to improve service delivery and achieve our shared goals for a stronger Saanich.”

Quick facts

• The Saanich budget saw an overall net increase in property tax of 7.93%. This increase supports the core services Saanich provides to residents each day, as well as needed improvements to infrastructure to support the delivery of those services.
• Check out our wide range of services and offerings here.
• Property owners in Saanich can expect to see tax notices and informational materials arriving in their mailboxes soon.
• Payment of taxes and annual home owner grant applications are due on or before July 2, 2024.
• 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.
• The 2024 Budget in Brief is available at saanich.ca/budget, with the 2024-2028 Financial Plan available shortly.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca