FVRD 2024-2028 Financial Plan Public Consultation Deadline Is Quickly Approaching

This year’s Financial Plan marks the first year in a formal asset management program, a year of expanded public engagement, and a more fulsome review and approval process for Regional Grants-in-Aid. The FVRD recognizes these are trying times for many community members experiencing significant cost increases in many aspects of their lives. The FVRD’s primary focus is to make responsible choices to ensure a slow and predictable tax bill to avoid, whenever possible, any future large tax increases.   

“Fiscal responsibility is essential as we balance community needs and prioritization of service area budgets considered at risk,” said Jason Lum, FVRD Board Chair. “The Financial Plan work is completed collaboratively and in partnership with the FVRD Board, staff, and the public, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard,” he said.  

The FVRD manages approximately 114 unique service areas, all with distinct purposes, unique tax bases, and specific revenues and expenses that cannot be shared with other service areas. Since June 2023, FVRD staff has been preparing the Financial Plan. The FVRD Board completed their in-depth review of the proposed Budget on January 25. Public consultation expanded this year to focus on education and transparency. In September, the FVRD used its HaveYourSay public engagement platform to formally launch the 2024 Budget Planning Process to share information with residents and encourage comments about the budget process. 

As part of the Local Government Act requirements, the Financial Plan requires bylaw adoption by March 31, 2024. With the Financial Plan entering its final days of public consultation, the FVRD encourages and welcomes public comments by Wednesday, February 7, 2024. To provide comments, visit haveyoursay.fvrd.ca/2024-budget and email feedback to FVRD staff from the email option on the site.