In an announcement Tuesday morning, Victoria’s City Council announced they are in the process of creating the 2022 Draft Budget and are looking for public input into how to best invest resident’s tax dollars.
This budget marks the City’s third budget during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council is proposing a 3.25 per cent tax increase which will help investments of $264.7 million in operating and $97.1 million in capital improvements.
This investment could affect more than 200 services and programs.
To meet this target, staff are recommending a series of cost-cutting measures which are intended to offset projected revenue loss due to the pandemic.
Council is also considering investing in some new programs and services for Budget 2022, including a climate change plan, support for businesses, enhanced public safety, housing affordability, and plastic waste reduction.
Initiatives were said to be chosen based on what is said to be community priority. The addition of these may also add to the proposed property tax increase.
“We know how much our residents and businesses appreciate the services provided by the City, which is why Council is proposing to maintain current service levels even in our third pandemic budget,” said Mayor Lisa Helps.
“We’ve made significant progress over the past couple of years to enhance overall quality of life, while keeping tax increases low or even zero. We’ve also heard that the community has additional priorities, which is why we’re asking for input on what areas are important for Council to make additional investments as we recover from COVID-19.”
The community is invited to share their opinions on the 2022 Draft City Budget through an online survey or Virtual Budget Town Hall.
The online survey allows locals to read through the 2022 Draft Financial Plan (City Budget) and provide feedback here. Feedback will be accepted until November 23rd.
On November 17th, the City of Victoria will also be holding a Virtual Budget Town Hall. Participants can tune into the webcast live, pre-register to speak live, submit a video up to three minutes in length, or complete an online comment form to share their comments regarding the 2022 Draft Budget.
Participants can also tweet @CityofVictoria using #victoriatownhall.
Those who would prefer to email can do so by emailing engage@victoria.ca with “Draft Budget 2022 Feedback” in the subject line by Tuesday, November 23rd.
All public input will be compiled into an engagement summary which will be presented to Council in December and made public on the City’s website.
All feedback will be considered.
2022 City Budget Online Survey
- Where: Online at Engage Victoria
- When: Surveys accepted until November 23rd
Virtual Budget Town Hall
- Where: Register to participate here.
- When: 6:30 p.m., November 17th
