2016 Budget Information
As presented in the financial plan, the 2016 operating budget totals $221 million and the capital budget totals $51.2 million.
The budgets would result in an overall property tax increase of $2.8 million or 2.31%. Combined with utility fees, the overall costs to homeowners would result in a 2.05% increase from 2015, and 2.19% for businesses.
The Police Board gives VicPD direction on their annual budget, and that budget is then submitted to Council.
Budget Highlights:
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Provides $10.4 million for transportation including new bike lanes, crosswalks and pathways, including David Foster Harbour Pathway, LED streetlight replacements
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Invests $68 million in public safety (police, fire and bylaw)
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Continues to invest in arts and culture, with over $1.4 million including public art, festivals, special events, Butler Book Prize and the Poet Laureate program
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Supports neighbourhoods and proposes new participatory budgeting methods, placemaking and animation of public spaces.
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Introduction of a new on-street parking ambassador model to create a positive parking experience and support an active and vibrant downtown
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Establish a strategic real estate function to manage the City’s $1.1 billion in real estate holdings.
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Continued focus on economic development supporting innovation and creativity aimed at attracting and retaining businesses.
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Invests approximately $16.4 million in the City’s parks and recreation facilities, including 70 parks, 72 hectares of natural areas, 39 playgrounds, 23 tennis courts, 12 off-leash areas and 45 sports fields
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Installation of a universal washroom/change room in Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre.
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Improvements to Vic West Park including upgrades to the skate park and playgrounds, leash optional fencing and Dallas Road dog related improvements
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Invests $850,000 in retaining walls and railings including Dallas Road seawall,Douglas Street and Wharf Street retaining walls.
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Replaces aging pipes and underground infrastructure, including some of the City’s oldest pipes installed in 1891, to ensure clean water and environmental protection for the harbour and City’s natural areas.
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$4.7 million in continued funding for the Greater Victoria Public Library.