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:

  • Provides $10.4 million for transportation including new bike lanes, crosswalks and pathways, including David Foster Harbour Pathway, LED streetlight replacements
  • Invests $68 million in public safety (police, fire and bylaw)
  • 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
  • Supports neighbourhoods and proposes new participatory budgeting methods, placemaking and animation of public spaces.
  • Introduction of a new on-street parking ambassador model to create a positive parking experience and support an active and vibrant downtown
  • Establish a strategic real estate function to manage the City’s $1.1 billion in real estate holdings.
  • Continued focus on economic development supporting innovation and creativity aimed at attracting and retaining businesses.
  • 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
  • Installation of a universal washroom/change room in Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre.
  • Improvements to Vic West Park including upgrades to the skate park and playgrounds, leash optional fencing and Dallas Road dog related improvements
  • Invests $850,000 in retaining walls and railings including Dallas Road seawall,Douglas Street and Wharf Street retaining walls.
  • 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.
  •  $4.7 million in continued funding for the Greater Victoria Public Library.