The qathet Regional District has approved its five-year financial plan with a 2.2 per cent tax requisition reduction for 2026.
The 2026 budget totals $29.4 million and includes $18.2 million for operating, $5 million in capital spending and $4.4 million for debt payments and transfers to reserves.
A news release from the regional district said it has secured a total of $2.7 million in grant funding for planned projects in 2026.
The 2026 budget represents an overall tax requisition decrease of $306,575 from 2025.
“The regional board is committed to maintaining a consistent tax requisition rate for our residents with the goal of avoiding significant variations from year to year,” said Clay Brander. “The board had many discussions concerning the cost benefit of utilizing previous-year surpluses to offset requisition rates, while balancing the importance of maintaining healthy reserves to support the maintenance and replacement of large capital assets, including fire apparatus. These deliberations, along with the expert advice of our staff, ensure our budgets and financial plans consider the short and long-term needs of our entire region in line with the impacts on individual service users.”
Projects planned for 2026 include completion of the Savary Island Official Community Plan, expansion of the Texada Island paratransit route, replacement of the Shelter Point Park footbridge and replacement of the cedar roof on the Palm Beach Park washroom and concession building.
