Budget 2026

Budget FAQs

• How do I have input into the budget?

  Between February to April, we advertise all budget meetings in advance and public participation in setting priorities is encouraged.

• How do you fund the budget?

  Central Saanich, like other Canadian cities, provides a broad range of services and funds them from a limited revenue stream with only three main sources:

  • Property taxes
  • Utility fees
  • User fees (such as parking meter fees; dog and business licences; parking and building permits; recreation programs including pools, rinks, and fitness centres)
  • transfers and grants from senior levels of government

  Over half of our operating revenues come from property taxes paid by residents and businesses. Almost one quarter comes from fees and other revenues, with the remainder from utilities.

• How Your Budget is Developed

  The District of Central Saanich’s budget process takes place at the beginning of each year, with a draft Financial Plan typically available in January and final adoption by Council before May 15. Between then, the budget undergoes various stages of discussion and presentation to Council and the public.

  Residents have many opportunities to become engaged in the budget process, including by reading the draft financial plan, attending relevant Council meetings, taking our Community Satisfaction Survey, emailing or calling the District with questions or feedback, and more.

• Can you incur debt?

  Municipal governments are required by provincial legislation to balance their budgets. While a municipality can incur debt to pay for large capital acquisitions, it cannot incur a deficit to fund day-to-day operations the same way senior levels of government can.

• Where Your Tax Dollars Go

  The revenue collected via property taxes goes to ensuring the District is able to maintain the exceptional quality of life offered in Central Saanich. This includes providing key services, such as:

  • Water
  • Sewer Systems
  • Roads, Sidewalks, and Cycling Infrastructure
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Fire and Police Protection

  Your tax dollars also allow the District to prepare for the future, as each year funds are set aside for upcoming infrastructure projects, based on the expressed needs of the community. By planning for the future today, the District is able to maintain stable levels of costs for our residents and avoid substantial sudden increases to rates.

  It’s important to note the municipal budget makes up approximately half of your property taxes, with the other half collected for regional agencies, such as the Capital Regional District, provincial school taxes, etc. The District does not determine those rates but does collect them on behalf of those agencies, as per legislation.