Your City Budget. Tell Us What Matters Most.

February 28, 2023

The City is inviting public feedback on the 2023 Draft Budget and City core services and programs.

Council is considering a 6.96 per cent tax increase this year to match inflation, down from an 8.99 per cent increase proposed in January.

Inflation has increased the costs of goods, services and labour, meaning the City’s budget must also increase to continue to deliver the same level of programs and services that Victoria residents expect, while considering the best value for tax dollars. As the City enters the fourth year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is facing different pressures – some are economic, some are environmental – all are global.

On February 6, a Council motion directed staff to develop a new 2023 Draft Budget that caps the property tax increase at inflation – 6.96 per cent – and that the Police Board develop a new draft budget at the same rate. 

On February 17, Council approved in principle a budget that includes mitigation strategies proposed by staff to achieve the lower tax rate (see backgrounder), in addition to reprioritizing some operations.

The Police Board will present its 2023 VicPD Provisional Budget to Council at a later date for consideration. 

The City’s 2023 Draft Budget proposes to invest $297.95 million in the operating budget and $64.9 million in capital budget improvements.

Have Your Say

The public is invited to provide feedback on the 2023 Draft Budget and the City core services and programs that matter most to them by:

  • Participating in a public meeting on Thursday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Victoria City Hall in person, by calling in or sending a written or video submission and tuning in to the live webcast.
  • Completing a short online survey by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 5.
  • Emailing engage@victoria.ca with “City Budget” in the subject line by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 5.

All feedback collected will be summarized and shared with Council to help inform final budget decisions, as well as made available on the City’s website. To learn more and complete the online survey, visit: engage.victoria.ca.