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Qualicum Beach cuts projected tax hike from 9.6 per cent to 5.7 per cent

Financial plan to be presented for third reading in March
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PQB file photo

The Town of Qualicum Beach is close to finalizing its financial bylaw that reflects almost a six per cent overall increase in combined property taxes and utility bills in 2025.

The town has reduced its projected property tax increase from 9.6 per cent that was declared in December and is ready to present the five-year financial plan at a special council meeting on March 5 for third reading; to be followed by final adoption at the regular council meeting on March 12.

According to a media release, following an extensive period of public engagement, the town has come up with a financial plan that features "robust capital strategy aimed at maintaining and enhancing the community’s infrastructure while supporting its high quality of life."

A typical household in Qualicum Beach will experience a 5.7 overall increase compared to 2024.This is based on a modest increase in utility fees and a property tax increase of 6.6 per cent. For an average home valued at $981,000, the annual cost per household will rise to approximately $3,559, an increase of $182.

Like many municipalities, Qualicum Beach faces the challenge of balancing high service levels with sustainable tax rates. To navigate this, the town’s financial planning has been guided by four core priorities: resilience, risk mitigation, maintaining service levels, and complying with emerging legislative changes.

“When one considers that monthly costs for municipal services are comparable to a phone, cable, and internet bundle, it becomes clear that the value of these services is significant,” said Mayor Teunis Westbroek.

The proposed budget reflects council’s commitment to advancing strategic initiatives, aligning resources with service delivery needs, and prioritizing capital investments that address risk, asset renewal, and quality-of-life improvements.

Examples of key initiatives outlined in the budget include:

— Compliance with new provincial housing legislation (Bill 44).

— A Building Facilities Greenhouse Gas Study.

— The “Pathways to Sustainable Economic Development” program.

— A visual identity refresh and website redesign to optimize communications.

Significant capital investments include:

— Seacrest Road Replacement and Slope Stabilization: A critical infrastructure project.

— Skate Park Construction: Supporting recreational opportunities for residents.

— Airport Projects: Grant-dependent initiatives for runway, taxiway, and apron asphalt replacement, along with the procurement of a loader and snow blower.

The proposed 2025 property tax increase of 6.6% is distributed as follows:

— 3.8% for operational costs.

— 1.5% for police services.

— 1.3% for asset management.

Approximately 51 per cent of property taxes collected by the town are remitted to other taxing authorities. These include the Province of BC (School Tax), Regional District of Nanaimo, Nanaimo Regional Hospital District, Vancouver Island Regional Library, BC Assessment Authority, and Municipal Finance Authority. Each of these entities sets its own tax rates annually.

 



About the Author: Parksville Qualicum Beach News Staff

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