Langford’s coffers have received a timely boost, with the province giving the city $16.46 million in funding as it grapples with several expensive budget items.
Announced on Friday (March 3), the money is part of a $1 billion package of one-time grants going out to B.C. municipalities to help fund capital projects.
The money comes as Langford is determining its 2023 budget. A tax increase of at least six per cent is forecasted for 2023 in Langford, according to the Langford financial plan document for 2022 to 2026.
That was before several big-ticket items came up for discussion during a protracted committee of the whole meeting on Monday (Feb. 27), during which councillors recommended staff include nearly $4 million in spending in the 2023 budget. In addition, the finance committee recommended council approve entering into negotiations with Westhills over purchasing the YMCA-YWCA facility. Those recommendations are set to be considered by council during Monday’s (Mar. 6) council meeting.
Langford city staff are currently revising its financial plan. City council still has to vote to confirm all of this spending, which will happen during its budget process.
In a report, city staff said that would happen in late March into early April.
COMMITTEE MEETING ROUND-UP: Langford residents face higher taxes as council eyes additional spending
West Shore municipalities outside of Langford raked in $15.46 million in funding, plus $5.94 million for Sooke and $11.56 million for the Capital Regional District.
Colwood got $6.64 million, Highlands got $1.66 million, Metchosin received $2.44 million and View Royal got $4.67 million.
“As our region continues to grow, we need to ensure that our infrastructure and amenities are keeping up with increasing demand,” said John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “This funding will be a huge asset to our area as people continue to move to our thriving community.”
RELATED: B.C. sends $2.4M in funding as Metchosin tightens its boots
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