SRD APPROVES 2025-2029 FINANCIAL PLAN
Reaffirming SRD's commitment to strategic investment, responsible financial management, and advancing the Board’s priorities in community well-being, climate resilience, and good governance.
(Campbell River, BC) – The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) Board has officially approved its 2025-2029 Financial Plan, reaffirming its commitment to strategic investment, responsible financial management, and advancing the Board’s priorities in community well-being, climate resilience, and good governance.
The Financial Plan serves as a guiding framework for the Regional District’s operations and strategic initiatives, ensuring the delivery of essential services while preparing for future growth and sustainability. The plan reflects extensive consultation, beginning with staff-level preparations in the fall, followed by workshops and deliberations with the Board of Directors.
Despite inflationary pressures and rising operational costs, the SRD remains dedicated to responsible growth and enhancing its communities.
The 2025-2029 Financial Plan includes key investments in:
- Disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation – Senior government grants will fund projects focused on wildfire preparedness, climate adaptation, and environmental responsibility.
- Healthcare accessibility and workforce housing – Investments in the Just Like Home Lodge and a newly established Healthcare Workforce Housing initiative will support patients traveling to Campbell River for specialized medical care while addressing critical workforce housing needs in the region.
- Community recreation infrastructure – The REC-REATE project will modernize and expand the aging Strathcona Gardens facility, providing state-of-the-art sports and rehabilitation amenities.
- Governance and community engagement – Dedicated funding will support First Nations reconciliation efforts, public engagement improvements, and professional development for Board members and staff.
Household Tax Impacts by Electoral Area:
Electoral areas in the regional district will see an increase in the average household cost due in portion to a revised overhead allocation policy, which more equitably distributes the general administrative costs across all regional district participants.
- Area A (Kyuquot/Nootka-Sayward) – Will see a 4% increase ($30 per average home) primarily due to the change in the overhead allocation policy and increased costs associated with funding the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL). A regional partnership between the Village of Sayward and Electoral Area A will improve cost-sharing and operational efficiency in the Fire Service.
- Area B (Cortes Island and surrounding archipelago) – A 4% increase ($64 per average home) is expected mainly due to the change in the overhead allocation policy and increased costs associated with funding the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL).
- Area C (Discovery Islands and Mainland Inlets) – A 30% increase ($193 per average home) in part due to a change of allocation distribution within the electoral area and funding for enhanced community hall, library and 9-1-1 service levels.
- Area D (Oyster Bay – Buttle Lake) – A 4% increase ($96 per average home), largely due to increased funding for recreation, enhanced transit and library service levels.
“Significant work has gone into ensuring this plan meets the needs of our residents while focusing on long-term sustainability and regional prosperity,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “Our investments in recreation, housing, environmental resilience, and governance will benefit the region for generations to come.”
For more details on the Strathcona Regional District’s financial planning process or to view the approved budget, visit www.srd.ca/financial-planning.
The Strathcona Regional District is a partnership of four electoral areas, a treaty First Nation and five member municipalities providing services to over 48,000 residents.
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Media Contact:
Mike Harmston, SRD Chief Financial Officer 250-830-6720 | mharmston@srd.ca