May 11, 2023

Council adopts 2023 Budget with focus on infrastructure, facilities and service delivery

Ladysmith Council has adopted the 2023 Budget and is prioritizing strategic capital projects that renew our aging infrastructure, upgrade public facilities, as well as improve the high level of service delivery.

This year, Ladysmith’s municipal taxes are down 1.1% for a single-family dwelling with a year-over-year increased property assessment value of 12.5% - the average for residential properties in town as determined by BC Assessment. 

Assessment- based taxes are up 6.3% for the average single-family home in Ladysmith, largely due to the transition to regional recreation funding model.

The Water Parcel Tax is unchanged for 2023 and the Sewer Parcel Tax increased by $10 per household.

Property taxes collected by the municipality help to cover the ongoing costs of roadwork, water and sewer projects, other infrastructure improvements, maintaining parks and keeping our community safe.

The capital projects to be completed this year align with Council’s Strategic Priorities for Infrastructure, Community, Waterfront and Economy.  

Watch for Council’s new 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, which will be published in the upcoming weeks.

The Town’s list of capital projects for this year, include:

  • * FJCC pool condition assessment;
  • * RCMP building repairs;
  • * Resurfacing the FJCC oasis pool and epoxy sealing the hot tub;
  • * Aggie sports fields irrigation improvements;
  • * Harbourview Park playground and accessibility upgrades;
  • * Street sweeper vehicle replacement;
  • * Area-specific traffic study - location TBD;
  • * Farrell Road sidewalk construction - Stirling to Gales;
  • * Ladysmith Archives fire suppression system.

 

Federal and Provincial grants also help to offset some of our capital costs and reduce the burden on our taxpayers; we will continue to apply for various opportunities that align with Council’s strategic priorities.

As part of the approved Budget, Council allocated $56,100 to 16 organizations through Grants in Aids, providing financial assistance to an organization for a specific project, event or service that benefits the community.

For the latest news and updates, visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also receive up-to-date information in your email inbox by subscribing to the Town’s newsletter.

 

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For Information:
Mike Gregory
Communications and Engagement Specialist
mgregory@ladysmith.ca | 250.210.1740