Sooke has officially passed its Five-Year-Financial-Plan Bylaw, which will impose one of the largest tax increases the district has seen in years.
After a long road of council discussions, public engagement and open houses, on April 7, council made official the 15.29 per cent increase for 2025.
The particularly large tax increase accounts for a number of key services within the district, including additional funds for policing, transport infrastructure, asset management, general operating costs and a new 911 service mandated by the province.
Despite disappointment expressed by most councillors that such a large increase was necessary, the bylaw ultimately passed unanimously.
"I can't say I am thrilled with the 15-whatever per cent it is, it's way too much," said Coun. Al Beddows, although he acknowledged its necessity.
"Our community's growing, we need police officers more so now than ever before, our crime rate has gone up about five per cent. I can't see cutting things there. There wasn't a whole lot to cut."
A sentiment echoed by Coun. Kevin Pearson
"It's tough to vote for this, but it has to be done," said Pearson.
Meanwhile, councillors such as Tony St-Pierre attempted to keep things in perspective.
"I think one of the major concerns was around what seemed like an egregious increase of 15-16 per cent, in comparison to other local governments that were only raising by seven per cent, specifically Saanich," said St-Pierre.
"It was pointed out that their seven per cent actually represented about $267 out of your pocket, whereas our 15.29 represented $233 out of your pocket, so our amount in dollars was significantly less than the seven per cent."
Further, St-Pierre expressed hope that the increase would be able to curb future tax increases on the district's residents.
"I think this is also for the future, where we hope to not have to increase taxes by this amount again, by making sure we make appropriate increases now."
The tax increase is anticipated to bring an increase of $236.22 per year for the average residential property.
