Draft of Sooke’s 2023 Budget to be presented at April 11th public meeting
Thursday, March 23, 2023 – District Council is looking to reduce a property tax increase on district services from $131 to less than $100 (based on the average assessed residential property) for 2023.
“Everyone is facing cost pressures and Council is looking to reduce the financial impact on residents while still responding to the needs of a growing community,” said Mayor Maja Tait. “Where we’re hearing numerous municipalities are sitting at an increase that would cost households two-to-three times, even more, keeping a district property increase in line with inflation and below $100 is a priority.”
On Tuesday, District Council completed its service level review. Next, staff will present a draft budget at the April 11, 2023 Council meeting.
Currently, the 2023 budget sees the District investing in community safety, roads, parks, and environmental services.
More specifically, key budget items include:
- Increased fire and police service delivery – working towards 24/7 coverage in both areas and reducing call response times
- Increased road maintenance and paving service delivery
- Church Road Roundabout (see Transportation Master Plan, p. 42)
- New park amenities including:
- Little River Crossing (see Parks and Trails Master Plan, p.24)
- Additional recreation facilities at Ravens Ridge Park
- Streetlight and transit stop improvements
Informed by community input, master plans and technical expertise: Understanding more about the budget process
The district’s budget is informed through public participation (citizen budget survey and community pop-ups from mid-June to mid-July each year), master plans and technical guidance from staff.
With these three inputs, staff prepare a preliminary budget. Next, Council directs staff on service levels such as investing more in road maintenance or working to decrease emergency call response times by enhancing police and fire services.
After the service level review is complete, a draft budget is presented to Council for readings at a public meeting. Then, a community open house is held to inform residents about the budget and projects taking place for the remainder of the year. A tentative date for the Community Budget Open House is set for April 19th.
Following the open house, the budget is adopted.
Council must adopt its budget by May 15th each year.
Residents can stay informed on the budget process by visiting letstalk.sooke.ca/budget More on public meetings is available at sooke.ca/meetings.
Learn more:
- 2023 Budget Information Brief
- Financial Planning Information Page
- Budget 2023 Update (February 24, 2023): Initial Consideration Given to Police and Fire Staff Resources, and Climate Action
- Budget 2023 Update (February 17, 2023): Citizen Budget Survey – What We Heard Report Now Available (sooke.ca)
Questions or comments?
Please email budget@sooke.ca.
Media contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
e: cmoog@sooke.ca